JENNIFER GUSTAVSON PHOTO | A new sports bar is expected to open this fall in Coram at the former Coach's Corner, which closed earlier this year.

A Coram bartender now has a sports bar to call his own.

John Ortiz worked for more than 15 years at the former Mike’s Place sports bar on Middle Country Road in Coram. Now the local hang out will soon bear his name. “Johnny O’s” is expected to open this fall.

The local watering hole, which had reopened in 2009 under the name Coach’s Corner,  has been closed all year after one of the partners in the bar and grill died late last year.

Mr. Ortiz said since the previous owners had done a good job upgrading the building, he only needs to do some minor work, such as painting before opening his establishment.

Mr. Ortiz said Johnny O’s will have a relaxed atmosphere where people in the community can watch a sports game, drink a beer and eat a burger at a reasonable price.

“I felt it was such a shame to watch it just sit when so much work and money had been put into the place,” he said, adding that there will be about a dozen televisions sets in the bar.  “There will be good food, lots of appetizers and good company.”

Another reason why Mr. Ortiz said he decided to open the bar is because he believes the area lacks a local tavern, especially since nearby Wellington Bar and Grill burned down in March.

“After Wellington burned down, it was a no brainer,” he said. “Now people won’t have to go out of town to grab a quick meal and watch a game.”

Mr. Ortiz, 61, who went to Longwood High School, said he decided on the name Johnny O’s because that’s what people called him growing up.

“There were a lot of people named John and Johnny O just stuck,” he said. “I think we’ll be successful here as long as we stay true to our vision.”

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