From Mirror staff reports

TYRONE — A long-time Tyrone landmark business is now under new ownership.

Chris Dutrow and Joe Russo signed an agreement with owner Bruce Mertiff on Monday to take over The Bull Pen Restaurant and Sports Bar.

Dutrow is treasurer/senior project manager at Stiffler McGraw in Hollidaysburg and Russo has been a successful businessman in the area.

“My partner and I decided to pursue this opportunity to continue providing the residents of Tyrone and surrounding communities with a casual dining atmosphere with friends and family. Joe is a successful business owner of four other restaurants in the area and he knows that I care very much about my hometown, so (we) thought we could make a great team on this endeavor,” Dutrow said.

Dutrow said he and Russo want to make as few changes as possible.

“It is important to minimize disruptions to the staff and operation. Once we are settled in, I’m sure Joe will be making some changes and I’m trusting his expertise with those adjustments,” Dutrow said.

The business hours will initially be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

The Bull Pen has been a Tyrone staple since 1973.

“The original owner, Harry Sickler, is a good friend of my father’s and has done so much behind the scenes in support of athletics and the community. It is important to me that the Bull Pen remain as a friendly gathering spot for friends and their families,” Dutrow said.