Saint John’s Rocky’s Sports Bar Changes Ownership
SAINT JOHN – New owners have stepped up to the plate at the Port City’s go-to sports bar.
Partners Moe Arsenault and Chris Sauliner have purchased Rocky’s Sports Bar from previous owners Bill and Norma Eaton, who have moved to Moncton to focus on their business interests there.
“We are very excited to begin a third ownership chapter for this incredible Saint John landmark,” Arsenault said in a release. “We seek to follow in the tradition of great hospitality set forth by the Eatons and by founders Saverio and Jackie Rocca. Rocky’s Sports Bar holds an esteemed position in the hearts of many in the city and we plan on building on the fun & energy that have kept patrons coming back here for years.”
Arsenault, who moves into the new role after about a decade in sales with Labatt Breweries, has plans to improve the “physical environment” of the bar in the works, but says any changes will be “a natural evolution to the existing space within the next year.”
Voted Best Sports Bar in Canada by SportsNet in 2009, Rocky’s Sports Bar is connected by the city’s pedway system to Harbour Station, two major hotels and some uptown shopping & office space.
“The sports aspect is important of course, but we really feel that Rocky’s is part of the pulse of the city and we want to expand on the welcoming spirit that the bar provides everyone who visits,” Arsenault said. “From a refinery worker fresh off a shift to a politician on their way to a big announcement to a group of friends celebrating a birthday – everyone feels comfortable at Rocky’s. We never want to change that.”