Doug’s Bar in the Portage Park section of Chicago has been packed with patrons virtually every night for 57 years.
“Maybe it’s the regulars like Matt and Janine,” says Steve Murray, a pipe fitter who’s been a regular since 1992. “Or Judy the cook’s Friday night perch, which has a reputation of renown.” Mainly, he says, it’s because it’s Doug’s – cheap green maple paneling, mismatched tables and stools, and pictures of random smiling people covering every wall.
Last month Doug’s was purchased by Remson Hospitality, which operates the upscale Starve! restaurants across the US. Remson will open ten exact replicas of Doug’s in major cities across the US next year.
“We’ll capture the clientele looking for that true, authentic neighborhood vibe,” says Remson CEO Marlo Sims. “A place where people can just chill. Or just relax if they’re not familiar with the concept of chilling.”
To ensure authenticity, Sims has hired 34 designers, builders and influencers to ensure exact duplication down to the gouges in the panelling and the rips in the photos. And 12 culinary experts are working around the clock to match Judy’s recipes.
Also, at each location actors will be hired to play Matt and Janine. The actual Matt and Janine will conduct trainings on conversational topics, hand gestures, and how to laugh and belch like they do. Some minor plastic surgery will also be involved.
No actor will be needed to play Stu, another regular who’s passed out by 7:30 every night, his head resting on the bar. To save money, Remson has ordered ten Stus made of lifelike byo-lene.
The only difference between the replicas and the original, says CEO Sims, will be the menu prices. While burgers at the original Doug’s start $8.55, those at the replicas will cost at least $55. Cocktails will average $40, not $4.00.
