The wait is finally over. The new Market Place Tavern is getting ready to celebrate their grand opening this week in Brookfield.

Formerly the 189 Sports Cafe, everything has been redone, giving it a whole new look and with a familiar name - Market Place TavernNow, the layout may be similar to the old 189 Sports Cafe, but that's where the similarities end.

We caught up with the long-time owner of the popular Brookfield spot, Eli Hawli, and he told us about some of the changes you'll notice immediately and what you can expect from the Market Place Tavern:

"The kitchen was gutted, and we even added a room where we had our blue awning dinning area, there's even new walls and a new ceiling. We've taken on the patented look of other Market Place restaurants, with barn wood, stucco, and traditional brick. The new, U-shaped bar was made in both Vermont and Upstate New York, and much like 189, it will be the center of everything. This is going to be one of the smallest yet intimate Market Place restaurants, with seating for 85 to 90 people."

So when's the big opening?

"We opened the 189 Sports Cafe exactly ten years ago, on February 11, 2010, and the we will open up will almost to the date of our original opening this Wednesday, February 12. We're so happy to be back in Brookfield in this historic spot, which dates back to 1850, and has seen so many transformations. In the time we've been here, we've worked very closely with the community, and will be continuing those relationships here at the Market Place Tavern. We've been a part of the Brookfield Police Department's Special Olympics Torch Run, the Brookfield Tip-a-Cop events, and the Ann's Place Chili Cook off."

Speaking of food, what's different on the menu of the new Market Place Tavern.  

"We've got a fantastic new menu that features organic and local food. We've also brought in an amazing new chef from our Newtown location, his name is Anthony Michellin, who's a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. He's also worked in a few locations in New York City as well."

Will there be any of the old staff returning?

"Yes, people will see a lot of familiar faces, including John, who'll be back as manager, Christina, both Sarahs, and Julie will be in the front of the house, so even though our look will be different, there's still some of the old staff that people have come to know. We can't wait to see our friends and neighbors again when the doors open -- it's great to be back. This building has been a fixture in Brookfield since 1850, it's been through so many transformations - it's even survived prohibition."

We wish Eli, John and the whole staff all the best at the new Market Place Tavern located at 189 Federal Road in Brookfield.

Check out this gallery of renovation photos:

Market Place Tavern, Brookfield

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