If you’ve lived in the Geist area for some time, you’ve likely followed the numerous name changes of the restaurant located at Fox and Oaklandon Roads. Now, Michael Moros, owner of Michael’s South Shore, has accepted a corporate job downtown prompting yet another sale of the restaurant, and in doing so created an opportunity for a family who wanted ownership and the potential success of a new eatery close to home.
Enter Jill and Molly McGlinchey, both graduates of Purdue University’s Hospitality and Tourism program, with nearly fifteen years of restaurant experience between them. Their partnership is solid – they are sisters, after all – including an unusual drive to succeed. Four years ago the young women lost their mother to breast cancer. Now, their passion is to build the business to better support financially the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen Foundation. You’ll also likely see them tending the bar.
Mark McGlinchey, family head and the funding partner behind the restaurant, said business launch plans have brought the girls even closer together. He said the family is very excited to serve the Geist community through the restaurant including activities with local churches, Little League, and the like. “The Gathering will have a new energy,” Mark promised. “It will be more family-friendly with a big emphasis on service by an attentive, hospitable wait staff.”
Fifteen flat-screen televisions and zoned sound systems, plus a DIRECTV NFL package will allow people to watch the game of their choice at their section. College football game choices will also be available. To further entice you, there will be many specials aimed at families and your kids’ sports teams:
- Half-price appetizers and large pizzas on Saturday and Sunday from open to 6 p.m.
- All-you-can-eat specials, with tiered pricing for kids and adults, and free under age five
- Family-style fried chicken dinners on Sundays
- Competitive 12 oz. prime rib specials Saturday, Monday and Tuesday nights
- Live music on Friday nights, possibly expanding to the patio
Jill and Molly said their goal is to create an energetic atmosphere for families and friends, where people will come regularly to see neighbors and to mingle. The restaurant name has an Irish connotation. Irish people don’t call it a ‘party’ but rather a ‘gathering’. With a name like McGlinchey, the Irish slant shouldn’t surprise anyone.
Visit www.TheGatheringatGeist.com for details including theme nights for Grand Opening Week, September 9–15.
