‘Keep up with the Joneses’: Sluggers changing longtime sign
CHICAGO — Wrigleyville staple Sluggers is replacing its longtime sign and marquee.
The large green sign, which lights up neon at night, was installed around 2000 — but is not the original sign.
North Side residents took some pictures of the sign coming down last week and opinions were thrown around online, something that took co-owner David Strauss by surprise.
It’s being replaced with a baseball bat sign that features green and a red accent as the color scheme on the tan bat.
Courtesy Dave Wischowsky Courtesy Dave Wischowsky Courtesy Dave Wischowsky Courtesy Dave Wischowsky
Strauss owns the bar with his brothers after his dad Steve, who opened up the iconic sports bar in 1985, passed away two years ago.
“He would be turning over in his grave. He would have been all about us making a change while keeping things the same,” Strauss said.
Strauss said those who are upset are the “OG customers” and there are worries that the bar would be sold.
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“If people are worried we are selling the bar, we aren’t,” he said. “From a sports analogy standpoint — baseball teams, they change logos all of the time. Some people love it, some hate it. A logo is a logo. The franchise is still going to be the franchise.”
The old sign is already down. Strauss told WGN News the new baseball bat sign will be up by the beginning of April.
“Every once in awhile, you got to necessarily keep up with the Joneses,” he said.
They’re considering putting parts of the old sign inside the bar.
Strauss said he and his brothers are focused on how busy this upcoming St. Patrick’s Day weekend will be and hope for minimal vomit episodes.
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