Are you saying this is what the menu will look like, since you have seen the menu, or are you just guessing?

Soon as it opens be happy to give you my thoughts. As for your expectations I think you can manage them on your own.

I only put that up for the OP as an example of tavern food.
He said "My limited and very dated experience with Northern taverns does not make this sound like a place I would want to patronize."
I thought this would give a better look at this type of restaurant.

I'm not sure what "northern tavern" means either. Does that mean they keep the air conditioning set to the 30's? Will they put ice on the floor? When you order do they say "fuhgedaboudit?" Do they have special places where you "pawk your cah?"

OK, these are lame attempts at humor, but really, what distinguishes a northern tavern?

I'm not sure. My guess is taverns are more popular in northern states or maybe different from southern states.
Mike from City Fire is from Ohio.

A tavern is a place of business where people gather to drink alcoholic beverages and be served food, and in some cases, where travelers receive lodging. Usually small rather quaint places with good food for a reasonable price-but that is just my experience coming from the north.

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So maybe whiskey will be involved and beef jerky as the provisions and you can trade them with pelts

Theme restaurants rarely have great food.

I guess there's a difference between a "northern tavern" and a "northern bar". In my experience, northern bar=strong smell of cigarettes and stale beer with just a hint of vomit.
Glad it's going to be a "Tavern"!

And dont forget the distinct odor of chemicals and urine as you headed to the restrooms.

Taverns in Virginia are like pubs. Usually focused on a really nice bar and limited menu for food an in a smaller surrounding. Some may have one TV but if there were several then it was called a Sports Bar not tavern. They are more like the favorite hangout where everyone knows everyone.
The area at TGIF is way to big to even be referred to as a tavern so it will be interesting to see how the place is designed since the trademark name was just established, at least that what it sounds like.

HONEST JOHN'S PUBLIC HOUSE WHISKEY & PROVISIONS EST.1927 DON'T LET THE TRUTH GET IN THE WAY OF A GOOD STORY

HONEST JOHN'S PUBLIC HOUSE WHISKEY & PROVISIONS EST.1927 DON'T LET THE TRUTH GET IN THE WAY OF A GOOD STORY - Reviews & Brand Information - Atlantic Coast Management, Inc. Winter Park, FL - Serial Number: 86359006

Sounds like a great idea to me. Can't wait for it to open!!

I just hope they have Good Whisky !

Gina and I did the big wall and all the other wall hangings at the City Fire in Sumter. 3 trips to Kirklands, then Walmart, Bealls and Belks ! LOL That was a fun time. Then my Gary and his buddy hung everything where we wanted it. We had a blast.