R Bar Celebrates Its Grand Opening

Steve Parrilla and Carol Macaluso may have named their newly opened establishment R Bar, but that doesn’t mean its doors won’t remain open for everyone in the neighborhood.

On Tuesday afternoon, members of the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce as well as elected officials, including Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor  John Venditto, were on hand at the ribbon cutting ceremony that marked R Bar’s grand opening.

“All new businesses should have grand openings, have the politicians in, get their picture in the paper,” Chamber of Commerce president Phyllis Doria said. “It’s great advertising for them. I wish every new business good luck, I really do, and I welcome them all to Massapequa.”

Parrilla and Macaluso’s bar opened its doors to customers on Saturday February 12. The pair didn’t know what to prepare for in terms of sales, but they have been pleasantly surprised.

“Business has been way better than expected,” Parrilla said. “We’re open for four weeks now, but we’re exceeding what we expected to do.”

Niether Macaluso nor Parrilla have ever owned a business before. Before 4861 Merrick Road was R Bar, it was the Bar Harbour Saloon. When that bar went under, Parilla and Macaluso didn’t see a failed business, but an opportunity.

“It was a good business opportunity,” Parilla said. “I used to be a patron of the old bar, and we just went forward at that point.”

If you ever happened to visit the Bar Harbour Saloon in the past and you’re expecting more of the same, you will be surprised to see a completely different atmosphere in R Bar.

“We made it more upscale than it was before. We made a warm soft environment, not a dark bar. Something that’s more inviting where it caters to couples,” Parrilla said. “There are some sports involved with it. It’s not a full-fledged sports bar, but we do cater to the sports patrons. I think it will be a successful business model.”

Macaluso agrees with her co-owner's critique of their new place. To her this is just a friendly bar created by herself and Parrilla for the neighborhood.

“I think we’re a great neighborhood casual bar. I like to call us a coffee house kind of bar because we’re just really here for the neighborhood...just casual, comfortable, and just a fun place to be,” Macaluso said.

Regardless of what kind of place R Bar is, there will be deals and special events there weekly to attract more people. The owners have a few plans for specials already, and more may come as time passes.

“We’re going to start with entertainment on Thursday nights, ladies’ night Wednesday, and perhaps Saturday night entertainment too. We also do a free happy hour buffet,” Macaluso said. “We’re just forming it as we go along at this point, nothing concrete yet.”

The bar will open everyday at 12 p.m., and remain open until “whenever” Macaluso said.

“Everybody come in, check us out, and tell us what you think,” Steve said.