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Comm331 AD A Brick in UMD
Comm331 AD A Brick in UMD
COLLEGE PARK, Md.- RJ Bentleys Filling Station remains a go to spot for both
College Park contains a series of different bars and restaurants that surround the campus.
For many years, establishments have closed down and reopened with different names and
owners. However, RJ Bentleys has managed to stay alive and carries the title of the
The building was not always a restaurant and bar that welcomed customers. Instead, it
was originally a gas station known as the College Park Auto Place in the 1920s.
College Park Auto Place combined with a Hudson dealership in 1956, where it provided
service and highway assistance along Route 1. This lasted until 1978 when Maryland
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John Brown turned the building into a welcoming roadhouse to gather people in
the community, students and parents for a good time. He decorated the original
location with a variety of Maryland athletic supplements along with antique automobile
accessories.
After several years, the dcor remains relatively the same, but now includes updated
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Joe Reilly, an alumnus of Maryland who graduated in 1996, used to love the athletic
atmosphere of RJ Bentleys. Reilly explained that all famous alumni and even NFL
players would come to this restaurant when they were in College Park.
I always saw Boomer Esiason, who was the quarterback for the football team, said
sophomore at University of
It was really cool to see a starter for the basketball team randomly at the restaurant. He
was so friendly and agreed to take a picture with me, said McCarthy.
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RJ Bentleys has also managed to keep a great reputation for their great deals on drinks
and food.
arrived at school. Leuzzi learned about the spot after visiting a friend the year before,
Me and my friend always come on Wednesdays for half off burgers, said Leuzzi.
Happy hour is great too for half off all appetizers with a few drink specials.
throughout its existence. On Sept. 19, 2003, the food establishment was temporarily
closed for health violations. According the report, the place lacked power and
refrigeration.
After successfully fixing this problem, the restaurant also faced a kitchen fire in 2005.
Bentleys was always able to get back on their feet and reopen to cater to their range of
customers. Nada Reilly, an alumna who graduated in 1996, emphasized that Bentleys
Although its not as nice as it used to be, the fact that it has been around for so many
years means so much to all students, said Reilly. I used to always bring my parents
there and I hope my children do the same if they choose to attend Maryland.
Bentleys traditional structure and service has attracted students and visitors for several
years. It continues to prosper and strives to continue its reputation for the future.
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