This is “Small Bites,” a South Florida Sun Sentinel feature with tiny tidbits on the food and beverage scene — because we know that sometimes you just don’t have room for a long article. You want a little news brief instead, an amuse bouche of information, if you will. Enjoy!
WHAT: Runyon’s in Coral Springs is turning 40 and you’re invited to the party!
The restaurant’s anniversary celebration in October will have live music, prizes and T-shirt giveaways, all-day specials, special craft cocktails and Irish whiskeys, both inside the eatery and outside under a large tent. The festivities are free.
You’ll probably get to hear some great lore about famous Runyon’s diners including Matt Damon, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Liza Minnelli, Larry Bird, Jimmy Smits, George Steinbrenner, Neil Sedaka — even some cast members from HBO’s “The Sopranos.” (There’s reportedly a great story about how the power was out when Rev. Billy Graham visited — that is until the evangelist touched the front-door handle whereupon the power instantly returned.)
“It means a lot to us to celebrate our 40th anniversary and to show our appreciation to the community and all those who have contributed to our success,” said Kevin O’Connor, co-owner of Runyon’s along with wife Ryan. “So many wonderful memories have been made within these walls, and we are thrilled to share the Runyon’s experience and history with everyone in South Florida.”
WHEN: 2-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6
WHERE: Runyon’s, 9810 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs
COST: Free
EXTRA TIDBITS:
- Runyon’s was founded on Oct. 9, 1984.
- Business partners Jack O’Connell (Ryan O’Connor’s father) and Danny Chichester purchased the Coral Springs space that was formerly Le Provence, a French eatery. “Why the name Runyon’s? I always liked the name and the atmosphere it suggested,” O’Connell said. “I had surrounded myself with a lot of the same types of characters in famous newspaperman and writer Damon Runyon’s stories — athletes, movie stars, gamblers and gangsters.”
- Sherry Cross, who still works there 40 years later as lead server, was the first hire. “She was a friend of a friend, and I liked her immediately,” O’Connell recalled. “I hired her, along with her sister-in-law.”
- Kevin and Ryan O’Connor purchased Runyon’s from her father in 2016.
INFORMATION: Instagram.com/runyonsofcoralsprings or Facebook.com/runyonsofcoralsprings
Runyon’s of Coral Springs
Longtime Runyon’s general manager Joe Kelleher, original owner Jack O’Connell and current owners Ryan and Kevin O’Connor. (Runyon’s of Coral Springs/Courtesy)