Reopening for beloved restaurant
Murphy – Poor Parson’s Pub, formerly The Parson’s Pub, has reopened under new ownership by Scott Cleeton in June of this year.
Cleeton met the previous owner five years ago.
“I enjoyed talking with him. I was retired in Florida, but found myself coming back to the pub each year,” Cleeton said. “When he began experiencing some health issues, we worked out a deal for me to buy the pub. He’s healthy now, and I’m thankful he trusted me to take over. I always knew there was something special here.”
Before the reopening, many were hesitant about the possible changes to the menu, which Cleeton kept in mind when rebranding the restaurant. Cleeton has a background working in and owning restaurants, and dedicated much of his time researching what food was expected at a pub.
“I talked with pubs located all over the country,” he said. “I was shocked to learn that Irish pubs in America have a wide variety of food, with only some Irish food peppered in. The most important part of a pub is creating an environment that isn’t stuffy.”
Cleeton knew after this research, he wanted to go back to his steakhouse roots.
“Growing up with steak on the table always meant celebration. I want this to be a place for locals to come, whether they’re celebrating a birthday or milestone, coming together with family after a funeral, having a business meeting or just wanting to sit down and enjoy a good meal,” he said.
“Everybody deserves a good steak; it’s not just for the elite.”
Poor Parson’s Pub went through an extensive remodel leading up to the grand reopening in June. Cleeton wanted to create a steakhouse meets pub atmosphere, but knew that wasn’t enough to stand out.
That’s what led to the creation of the visible cooking area in the restaurant. Guests can enjoy their company and see their meal being prepared right before their eyes.
“Putting in the visible kitchen to cook over wood involved multiple floor remodels and custom hood engineers from Knoxville (Tenn.). It was stressful, but being able to engage with the guests and provide them with a unique dining experience makes it all worth it,” Cleeton said.
Cleeton expressed gratitude for the team he has built.
“I’m so blessed to have the crew I have. I always pushed that I wanted them to be professional, but I want them to have a good time at work. Their station each shift is like their own business, and I give them the freedom to know how to treat each guest,” he said.
“Some guests just want prompt service, while others want engaging conversation and interaction with their server. Our servers know how to dial in and read what the guests want.”
The most popular menu items are the filets, but Cleeton loves more challenging menu items – especially the swordfish.
“You’ve got five seconds that make the difference,” he said. “If you pull it before, it’s undercooked; and if you pull it on the sixth second, it’s ruined. The challenge is in that five-second window.”
Poor Parson’s Pub offers a full menu, along with a wide variety of drink options to pair with your meal.
Cleeton hopes local residents will make the pub a regular dining spot for them and their families.
“It’s been an honor to share and be part of our guests’ lives for a moment,” he said. “Whether it’s the good or the bad, we want to be there.”
Cleeton is always taking notes to find ways to improve the restaurant and provide the best service they can. His big goal for the future is to set deep roots and ties in the community.
“All you need is a poor excuse for a good time,” Cleeton said.
Details: Poor Parson’s Pub is at 19 Tennessee St. in downtown Murphy. Hours are from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; the bar opens at 4 p.m.