Ever Dream of Opening a Bar? | A #PekinRestaurantWeek Special Feature
Ever Dream of Opening a Bar?
A #PekinRestaurantWeek Special Feature
Pekin, IL- Chris, Eric, and Ryan didn’t. But a plot twist to a dream dating
back over 14 years ago helped a vision become a reality in 2021: The Bunker
Indoor Golf Lounge.
What is an “indoor golf lounge” exactly? The Bunker hosts
indoor, large-scale golf simulators: a big city offering in our Midwestern,
small town of Pekin. Oh, and there’s a full-service bar to boot.
“We’re really lucky to have great golf courses in Pekin, and
now we can enjoy indoor golf too,” says part-owner Eric.
Eric lays out the history of the idea and explains he has
wanted to open a golf simulator hang-out spot for over a decade, but the
technology- and price- just wasn’t there yet.
Eric continues, “I toured a lot of simulators in the Chicago area and then was waiting for the right opportunity.”
Eric and business partner Chris checked out many property
locations over the years, including the old dance and tumbling building on
Route 9, The Company. It wasn’t until last year when a close friend, Ryan,
approached Eric and Chris that their dream looked possible.
Ryan proposed opening a bar behind BC BBQ near S 14th
Street and El Camino. With not much in way of businesses in that area of town,
it felt like the opportunity Eric and Chris had been waiting for as the once
radically expensive and inaccurate technology of golf simulators was finally
approaching the sought-after benchmark of advancement.
The team invested close to $1 million in building repairs
and renovations, feeling “completely and totally invested in Pekin”. Opening its
doors in August of last year, The Bunker now serves as a community experience
for all ages.
“We’ve started hosting birthday parties for kids using our
private simulator room,” says Eric. “There’s more than just golf, too. They can
change up the games!” The aboutGOLF simulators offer goofy golf, corn hole, darts
and more.
The Bunker Lounge is becoming popular with not just
Pekinites, but is an attraction drawing visitors from Bloomington, Springfield,
and Rockford areas regularly.
Even with the tourism attraction status, the team says it’s “pretty
neat to walk in and always know someone here”. Eric comments it’s a big part of
why they chose the name “The Bunker”. While an obvious pun on golf terminology,
it’s also a homage to community.
The Bunker Indoor Golf Lounge has discounts on their punny
craft cocktail list for #PekinRestaurantWeek February 7th – 11th.
With names like Water Hazard, The Torrey Pines and the John Daly, you’re sure
to find something to love during this Pekin-wide restaurant promotion.
Tee times can be booked online through The Bunker’s website
at https://bunkergolf.net. Tee times are
going fast in the blustery weather, so book early for access to peak times.
For exciting promotions and to learn more about what The
Bunker has to offer, follow @BunkerGolfPekin on Facebook and Instagram.
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Media Contact: Brittney Hogue
Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce
Communications Coordinator
309-642-7029
brittney@pekinchamber.com
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