Galanakis working around the clock to open Mario’s Sports Bar and Grill

Mario Galanakis knows the ins and outs of the restaurant business after helping his parents with their Greenfield restaurant, The Olive Branch.

He’s also familiar with The Twilight Zone in Creston, which his parents helped open with Danny and Sheri Hayes 32 years ago.

So, he has the background needed to transition The Twilight Zone to Mario’s Sports Bar and Grill.

The building, located at 129 N. Pine St., closed its doors as The Twilight Zone for the final time Saturday night.

“I’ve seen what it (the restaurant business) is like and have a lot of experience, so that’s going to help out a lot,” Galanakis said. “If you haven’t done it before, it’s a lot of work, a lot of time and a lot of prep. You have to put the hours in, but I know that, so it’s going to help out.”

Galanakis, 32, with the help of The Twilight Zone’s owner, Danny Hayes, is currently renovating the building. Soon, it will re-open as Mario’s Sports Bar and Grill.

“It’s a lot of work, but I think once we get done and do it the way I want to do it, we’re going to change a lot of things,” Galanakis said. “I never really planned on doing it, but my parents and Danny and Sheri started this up 32 years ago. It’s something I’ve always kind of wanted to get in, being my dad has been in the restaurant business, but I never really pursued it too hard until here recently.”

Since The Twilight Zone closed for good Saturday, Galanakis and Hayes have been hard at work on the interior of the building, working around 16 hours each day to get the building ready.

Already, the two have created a kitchen space and hung a new ceiling in the main area. Work is currently being done on the bathrooms and in the main seating area.

Among the changes already installed are three large, high-definition projection screens hanging on the walls – one above where The Twilight Zone’s dance floor stood and two above the bar area.

“I want people to be able to see a TV from every seat they’re sitting in,” Galanakis said. “Like you’re sitting at home, but you can get a bite to eat and a drink. You can bring your family up here and watch football or any sport you want and enjoy it.”

Galanakis said his sports bar will serve typical bar food, with some sandwiches, salads, pitas and specialty burgers. He will also have a kids’ menu.

One idea he’s considered is offering pizza. But, Galanakis said that will be an idea he’ll have to revisit after he gets the business up and running.

Mario’s Sports Bar and Grill will also be open during the lunch hour.

Galanakis said he wants to encourage everyone to give his sports bar a try once it opens. Currently, he does not have an opening date set but is working around the clock to have it ready to go as soon as possible.

“I just want everyone to feel welcome,” he said. “It’s not going to be what it was before. That’s why we’re putting so much work into it. We’re putting in a lot of work to make it feel more classy or fancy than just a night club.”

The former University of Iowa wrestler has learned a lot from Hayes during his life. Having Hayes help him with the transition has been important, Galanakis said.

“Danny, I’ve always been close to him. He’s taught me a lot about wrestling and just life in general,” Galanakis said. “He’s like a second dad to me. I can tell it’s kind of hard for him to let it go after doing it for so long, but he’s excited and he wants me to be successful. I appreciate it. I can’t thank him enough for how much he’s helping me out and all the work he’s putting in.”

Hayes’ influence will still be seen in Mario’s Sports Bar and Grill, as some of the artwork and wall decorations will remain.

“Thirty-two years of The Twilight Zone was plenty,” Hayes said. “I want Mario to be able to run a successful restaurant. I’m helping him redesign it. It’ll be good for Creston.”

As Galanakis continues to renovate the inside of the building and nears being ready to open for business, his excitement builds.

“I hope people will come out and try it,” he said. “I’m excited to get people in here and see the changes we’ve made and get people coming back here again.”