Springfield Restaurant Gets Help From Barstool Fund

SPRINGFIELD, VA — A Springfield restaurant got the good news from Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports who started a fund for small businesses struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Kilroy's Restaurant, a neighborhood spot and sports bar that has been in business for 41 years, was chosen to receive money from the Barstool Fund to help keep it open.

Kilroy's is known for prime rib and a variety of menu items. It's also a gathering space for regulars and a business that has supported local causes.

Co-founder Philip Thomas noted the restaurant's struggles in a video submission to the Barstool Fund. He said Kilroy's is focused on health and safety measures for employees, but business is limited due to capacity limits and people dining out less. Pre-pandemic, the restaurant stayed open until 2 a.m. and saw the dining room fill. Now Thomas estimated business was down about 70 percent.

"This is a Saturday afternoon and we have nobody in this dining room," said Thomas, gesturing to the empty dining room in the background. "I mean, think about that. But somebody has to pay the rent, keep the lights on."

The Barstool Fund selects small businesses to receive support through the end of the pandemic. To date, the Barstool Fund has raised over $34 million and supported 211 businesses. It has also helped Crystal City Sports Pub and Freddie's Beach Bar in Arlington as well as The Fish Market in Alexandria.

Thomas is hopeful the vaccine will be the key to getting business back.

"We're just trying to make people at ease when they do come here, and hopefully this is going to pass over here when people do get their shots," said Thomas.