Twin sisters Lauren and Lisa Cassity cut their teeth in the restaurant industry at a dive bar. They’ve long dreamed of opening a bar and grill, and soon, that dream will become a reality.

The Cassitys own the Hook & Plow restaurants. They opened a fourth location in Bend’s Westside Yard last summer with dishes influenced by ingredients of the Pacific Northwest and their home state of Hawaii.

Next month, they plan to open a legacy bar in the former building of Cabin 22 on Century Drive in partnership with Chris Copelan.

“It’s going to be called Cassity’s (Bar & Grill), which is our last name, our family name,” Lisa said. “For me, it’s about community; we want to keep it a neighborhood community bar.”

The owners envision the bar as a family-friendly space to watch sports while enjoying elevated pub fare such as burgers, sandwiches, salads and wings. The menu will also feature Vietnamese pho and other rotating specials.

Memories carried forward

The space, formerly home to Players Bar and Grill, will also host live music on occasion.

“Players, back in the day, was a staple for live music,” Copelan said. “That’s where a lot of bands that are still around today, got their launch.”

During construction, some of the wood paneling was removed, revealing a mural of the Chicago skyline visible when the bar was known as Players. The mural won’t be on display at Cassity’s, but the new owners are taking care to incorporate elements of the building’s history in the new design with memorabilia from Players, Cabin 22 and Blue Pine Kitchen and Bar.

“We’re going to have some pieces that people will recognize. We are being extremely intentional about the history of that place. I want to pay homage to the businesses that were there before,” Lisa said.

Lauren said, “It’s our legacy. It’s our family name and that means a lot to us.”

Directly across the street from Cassity’s, The Commonwealth Pub is readying to open on a similar timeline.

More Coverage:

Commonwealth-themed pub plans for October opening in Bend

Details

What: Cassity’s Bar & Grill

Location: 25 SW Century Drive, Bend

Contact: cassitysbar.com

Hours: Expected October opening