Despite opening in late January of this year, The Ranch Pub has already made a name for itself as a cozy and inviting establishment for anyone who walks through its doors. The restaurant, located at 160 South Main Street, provides a lively atmosphere, unmatched hospitality, and a savory menu that has just a little something for everyone.

The Ranch Pub blends rustic charm and modern aesthetics with its wood-paneled walls, sleek chairs, and hanging lamp lights. It’s all these traits and more that make the restaurant feel truly lived-in, a place where family and friends can get together for a good time, no matter the occasion.

Damir Bislimi, who owns The Ranch Pub with his wife Andrijana, said that is exactly their goal.

“I tell this to all my staff that we are here for customers, not customers for us,” Bislimi explained. “I do everything I can so that, when customers finish their meal and step out from this place, they leave happy.”

Bislimi is no stranger to the industry. He moved from Europe 13 years ago and, “basically from day one,” entered the restaurant business. Bislimi said he has always tried to do more and more, no matter what he does.

It’s this determination, he said, that led him to become a general manager at his first job, the highest position he could go where he worked.

“And then I said, okay, I got enough knowledge, I learned a lot. Let me try now to open something that’s mine,” Bislimi explained.

Bislimi went from managing a restaurant in Wilton to opening up a pizza place in Newtown three years ago. When the chance came to open a new restaurant on South Main Street, Bislimi took the opportunity. He sold his pizza place and worked to make The Ranch Pub the best it can be.

The location should be familiar to Newtown residents, as the building now known as The Ranch Pub was previously known as Red Rooster Pub.

However, Bislimi said the two establishments are not related.

“We have a totally new kitchen staff, totally new wait staff — it’s a totally new establishment,” Bislimi said.

He and his team made the place their own, particularly in the chef-driven menu. From fresh sandwiches, wraps, and salads to delectable steaks, burgers, and classic Italian food, Bislimi said he wanted there to be “something pretty much for everybody.”

The Ranch Pub also has a lively pub, with 16-beers on draft and a wide selection of cocktails, bourbons, and tequilas.

“I want everyone to have options,” Bislimi said. “I don’t want people to be like ‘Oh, let’s only go there to have a sandwich.’ If you come here and want a salad, you have a salad. If you’re in the mood to have a steak, you can have a steak.”

To that end, Bislimi said that he refreshes the menu every few months with new ideas. The Ranch Pub’s specials rotate at least twice a week, sometimes even more, so as to keep things fresh and give everyone something new to try.

Bislimi said they try to include a vegetarian dish and a gluten-free dish along with regular dishes in their special menu.

“I always tell waiters that if customers request something, if we have the ingredients in the house, we can do something for them,” Bislimi said.

The Ranch Pub has two separate kitchens — one for steaks and Italian dishes, and another for sandwiches, salads, and other foods. Bislimi said it was important for him to have the equipment and space to provide safety for all their customers, whether they have an allergy or can only eat certain foods.

Bislimi said he loves working on the floor or behind the bar, talking with people dining in and getting feedback on what they can do better.

“Customers always give us new ideas. Sometimes when you talk with a customer, you hear something they might not have thought much of, but it sparks a new idea,” Bislimi said.

For Bislimi, working in a restaurant and providing great experiences is something he loves. Seeing how the community has accepted them and been incredibly friendly, he said, is an honor.

He is equally grateful to his hard-working team, from the front of the house to the kitchen. On the front, Bislimi said he has professionals with over 10-15 years in the restaurant business. They work as a family to serve great meals and set the stage for people to make lasting memories.

“We always try to do our best for every customer, whether they spend $20 or $500. Every customer deserves to feel special, to have a nice night in good company. Yes, it’s a business to make money, but this kind of business you have to love if you want to do it right,” Bislimi said.

The Ranch Pub also offers various different gluten and vegetarian options.

Sample Of The Menu

Brunch: Sundays from 11:30 am-3 pm. Kick off the day with brunch staples such as waffles, classic eggs Benedict, and open-face avocado toast. Served with a choice of home friends or a small house salad. A complimentary drink comes with the purchase of any brunch item; options include a mimosa, Bellini, screwdriver, or a Bloody Mary. Virgin options or soft drinks are also available.

Begin: Start your meal with appetizers such as the bang bang shrimp tempura, with battered rock shrimp tossed in a sweet and savory bang bang sauce. Another highlight is the lamb lollipops, which has organic lamb chops topped with balsamic glaze and served with spinach and homemade risotto.

Greens: The Greek salad features freshly cut vegetables topped with an oil vinaigrette dressing for the perfect balance of hearty and healthy.

Sandwich & Wraps: Go for the crispy French dip sandwich, featuring shaved, roasted Black Angus rib eye and swiss on a garlic baguette, all served with a homemade au jus sauce.

Burgers: Turn a good night great with the wagyu burger. Organic grass fed beef, sharp farm style cheddar, sweet pickle, and stone ground mustard sandwiched between two buns for the perfect juicy burger.

Sizzling Fajitas: Enjoy delectable fajitas made with fresh bell peppers and onions, as well as rice, whole black beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Customers also have a choice between warm corn or flour tortillas, and can pick between chicken, steak, or shrimp.

Steaks: Dig into tender and delectable prime steaks, each served with homemade mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables. Options include rib eye, filet mignon, braised short rib, and New York strip.

Entrées: The rigatoni is a runaway fan favorite. It features rigatoni tossed in a spicy sausage marinara cream sauce or tossed with chicken in a vodka cream sauce — with both sauces made from scratch. The salmon is another popular dish, served with grilled Atlantic salmon filet, sautéed spinach, and a cauliflower purée champagne mustard sauce.

Kids: Children can help themselves to several different options, from beef sliders and cheese ravioli to classics like chicken tenders and mac and cheese.

Drinks: The bar features a wide variety of drinks, including 16 beers on draft, margaritas, bourbons, tequilas, and special summer drinks. For margaritas, the restaurant uses all organics in freshly-squeezed lime juice.

Dessert: End the night with sweet treats such as crème brûlée, tri-color chocolate mousse, or the fan-favorite tiramisu.

The Ranch Pub, 160 South Main Street, is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 am-1:00 am, and Friday through Saturday from 11:30 am-2:00 am.

For more information, visit theranchpub.com, call 203-304-1720, email TheRanchPub1@gmail.com, or follow the restaurant’s Facebook @The Ranch Pub or Instagram @theranchpubnewtown.