Palo Alto's longtime sports bar is back, with a new name and a sharper game plan. The Pro, a slimmed-down successor to the Old Pro, opened on Monday to a packed bar and a steady stream of Stanford shirts. The revamped spot keeps the familiar memorabilia on the walls but now leans harder into elevated food, private events and a remodeled upstairs members area.
A food-first revival
The project is led by local restaurateur Guillaume Bienaime, with Nicholas DeLuca as general manager and Ben Robin as executive chef. The team says they want people to drop in even when there is no game on. The opening menu mixes old-school bar staples like wings, burgers, nachos and a Chicago-style hot dog with higher-end dishes such as roasted Duroc pork shoulder and a banh mi French dip. Opening-day pricing featured pints at about $6 and fries or an ice-cream sundae for $8. “Come for the food, stay for the game,” the owners told SFGATE.
Local investor and live events
One of the most visible backers is former Stanford and NFL quarterback Andrew Luck, who has taken a financial stake and plans to host private events and use the on-site podcast studio. The investment is pitched as a way to revive a community hub where athletes, alumni and locals can gather, according to Palo Alto Online.
A tribute to the Old Pro
The Pro preserves some of the Old Pro’s quirks, including Bucky the mechanical bull, which now hangs above the kitchen as a decorative tribute after the son of the late owner agreed to sell it to the new team. The previous restaurant closed in June 2022, and the relaunch includes commemorative plaques and other nods to the Sinchek family, as reported by SFGATE.
Hours and what to expect
The Pro is operating with new hours: Monday and Tuesday from 3 PM to midnight, and Wednesday through Sunday starting at 11 AM. The upstairs will be reserved for private events or a members-only offering that the team says it will unveil soon. For reservations and the latest details, see the restaurant’s listing on OpenTable.
