After a complete interior remodel, Ireland’s highest elevation bar, The Ponderosa, is back in business and delighting guests with great food and one of the most unique locations in the country. The establishment has come full speed into the 21st century with a fully automated audio system by ELAN and Niles, a new design, an expanded kitchen and awe-inspiring views.
In addition to a totally new bar, seating area, and interior design, the restaurant also received some major behind-the-scenes upgrades. What was first intended as a small convenience shop has been turned into a much larger kitchen to accommodate more staff and essentially more guests, while a high-tech ELAN g! music system was installed to offer the management control of 14 speakers in six zones.
According to installer Aidan McErlean of AME Electrical, “The owners wanted a super-simple system that would let them have precise control over the music in the kitchen, bar, sunroom, lobby, restrooms, and outdoor patio seating area, and ELAN g! is the easiest way to do that. We set them up with access to radio, satellite radio, and any music they want to bring in themselves, and they can control it all from an iPhone. Plus, the main room has a new retractable separation wall, so if a group comes in for a private party they can have their own music separate from the rest of the bar.”
AME Electrical kept the job modest in size to meet the required budget, but made sure to use the best products available from Core Brands. In addition to the ELAN g! system and audio controllers, the Ponderosa has twelve Niles in-ceiling speakers and two Niles outdoor loudspeakers. Finally, all rack equipment is protected by a Furman power conditioner to ensure smooth operation and long equipment life.
The building where the Ponderosa now stands has been the site of a restaurant for more than 150 years, dating back to Buchanan’s which opened in 1858. Today, The Ponderosa serves delicious modern food in a chic environment with spectacular views at 964 feet above sea level, with special attention paid to every guest’s comfort and enjoyment. By combining a one-of-a-kind environment with a great staff, incredible food and crystal-clear music, the owners have breathed new life into a treasured piece of Ireland.