GLENVILLE — Mike Sanderson knew he had some big shoes to fill when he took over ownership of The Office Bar & Restaurant, a local staple for over 30 years, and turned it into Tailgaters Sports Bar & Grill almost two years ago.

Sanderson, 55, saw buying the business as an opportunity after losing his job as a bus driver. Even without having any prior restaurant experience, he said the community was immediately welcoming and supportive.

“The place was packed for the first four months,” he said.

He said the bar and grill, at 290 W. Main St. in Glenville, hasn’t undergone too many drastic changes from the previous namesake, but he has put some of his own touches into the business. While the bar and grill has a full menu, Sanderson said it has prime rib and jumbo shrimp specials every weekend, an annual street dance in June and bands performing throughout the year, including the Johnny Holm Band.

Tailgaters’ hours are 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:30 to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays.

Sanderson said his favorite thing about the business is the customers, from the locals to the ones stopping in from out of town. He said he’s had travelers from as far as Pennsylvania to Hawaii and England come through.

While not only being the owner, he keeps himself busy with cooking and bar tending at Tailgaters.

“I do a little bit of everything,” he said.