Cornerstone Grill and Loft has been a staple in the College Park community since 1997 and remains one of the most popular businesses in the downtown area.
Originally called the Rendezvous Inn, the bar changed its name to Cornerstone because it was looking to change its image. The owner is, and has always been, Mark Srour, who is famous among students and College Park residents alike.
Their goal is to provide a college bar atmosphere for college students and considers themselves predominantly a sports bar on account of what it has to offer.
Although popular for its pub-style food, Cornerstone’s real claim to fame is its sports atmosphere, equipped with 14 high definition televisions, one projection screen television and a subscription to the NFL ticket. This subscription allows them to play every football game each Sunday on the multiple televisions, so that fans of every team can come and always have a good seat.
In addition to this television and bar setup, there is an upstairs area known as The Loft that has its own 13 high definition televisions, two pool tables and various video games. The Loft also caters and is available for rent for private functions.
The majority of its customer base comes from the university, however graduate students and locals tend to remain loyal customers too. Between Greek-life students and regular students, their crowd splits about 50 percent each.
Being a sports bar, they are required to have variety when it comes to beer, which is exactly what they thrive on. Cornerstone prides itself on its 16 different draft lines always full and flowing, along with a wide array of beer bottles.
As any business, there is clearly always some competition to deal with. For Cornerstone though, in a town where three bars have been shut down and depopulated, they seem to dominate the bar scene. However, as they thrive as a restaurant, there are other places to eat in College Park that post rivalry.
“There were pretty much only five places to eat in downtown College Park when I started here in 1999,” said general manager Brian Lambert. “Now there are about 15 places which makes it competitive.”
After the shut down of Thirsty Turtle, The Mark, and The Santa Fe Café, a few new bars have opened in College Park. Big Play has been seeing new customers, however they only have the capacity to fit about 100 people while Cornerstone fits nearly 400.
Also, Looney’s Pub is a big sport’s bar further down the road that has a strong customer base because of its adjoining high rise. However, because of their location, they have posed little threat to Cornerstone.
In addition, R.J. Bentley’s is a bar that has been next door to Cornerstone for decades, drawing a similar crowd each night. Yet, with the multiple televisions and NFL Sunday ticket, Cornerstone remains more of a sports bar and takes the cake every Sunday.
Sunday’s at Cornerstone consist of appetizer deals, half priced cocktails, and an event at night called Drafts in which beers cost a mere $2.00 for customers with a Cornerstone draft mug.
Aside from what it has to offer its customers, working at Cornerstone is one of the more sought after jobs in College Park. “I love the atmosphere and getting to work with my friends,” said bar manager Christopher Wood.
Wood, or C-Wood as he is called at the bar, has been working at Cornerstone for over seven years. “Most of our staff is full of veterans who have been working here for years,” said Wood. “That’s what sets us aside from the other bars in the area.”
Cornerstone will continue to thrive from its sports atmosphere and loyal customer base.
“My dad went to the Voo (Rendezvous Inn) and I go to Cornerstone,” said Senior Criminal Justice Major Jon Rogoff. “It’s a family place and the only place to go.”