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GOOD EATS: R.J. Kahuna's offers family-friendly sports bar atmosphere

July 01, 2009 @ 07:40 PM

CANNONSBURG, Ky. -- Located in the Kyova mall in Cannonsburg, Ky., R.J. Kahuna's is a sports bar with more than 30 television screens and a tropical theme.

The restaurant, which opened Dec. 12, 2008, also features an Internet area for kids and a variety of weekly specials.

"We made for a nice fit because there wasn't a sports bar in the area, but we wanted to be different from your typical sports bar. So, we gave it an island theme," said Tal Callihan, owner and managing partner. "The bright colors make us stand out, and we didn't want to only serve typical sports bar food. Our ribs and wings are popular, but we also sell a lot of sandwiches."

Sandwiches include "The Jerk," a Caribbean jerk-seasoned grilled chicken breast topped with provolone cheese and sauteed peppers and onions for $8.59. Another specialty sandwich is the "Kahuna Style Cuban," which is pulled pork topped with shaved ham, Swiss cheese, a dill pickle and a side of Dijon mustard for $8.79. Another specialty is the rib basket for $8.79. It's served with fries and a side of cole slaw or baked beans.

"We have 33 televisions ranging from 32- to 42-inches as well as overhead projection screens," Callihan said. "Kentucky football and basketball are huge here. We've also had really good luck with horse racing. The NBA playoffs are great as are NASCAR racing and golf. People have come in to watch tennis, soccer and things like that as well. We also keep a few televisions turned to live news for information and one turned to Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network for the kids."

Because the restaurant is in close proximity to Huntington, some promotions centered on Marshall University's fall football games are being considered.

Included in the bar's island theme is an assortment of mixed drinks. The signature drink "The Blue Kahuna" features coconut rum, triple sec, blue curacao, pineapple juice and grenadine. Another house drink is the "Tropical Life Saver" made with melon, Malibu Absolut Citron, pineapple, sour mix and 7-Up. An assortment of domestic and imported beers is also available.

The bar is divided from the restaurant's dining area by two large fish tanks.

"One of the reasons I decided to open in this location is because the people at Phoenix 10 Theaters have been a big hand to us," Callihan said. "Each Tuesday and Wednesday for six weeks this summer they're showing free movies for the children in the morning, and on those days we're giving free ice cream sundaes for families that bring in movie theater tickets. We do dinner and a movie and other promotions with it," Callihan said. "The theater's doing very well, as are the national stores. This mall has seen some hard times, but it's making a turnaround. There are a lot of projects in the works, which is a great thing."

R.J. Kahuna's is located at the Kyova Mall at 10699 US. Rt. 60. It is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. A variety of lunch specials are available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday through Friday.

Sunday hours are from noon to 6 p.m. In accordance with state law, no alcoholic drinks are sold on Sundays.

Cash and all major credit and debit cards are accepted. To place a take-out order, inquire about catering options or for more information, call 606-928-1461.

Photos by Paul Sebert/ For The Herald-Dispatch

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R.J. Kahuna's is a sports bar and grill located at the Kyova Mall in Cannonsburg, Ky. The restaurant features a variety of menu items and mixed drinks.

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Tal Callihan is the owner and managing partner of R.J. Kahuna's, a sports bar and grill located in the Kyova Mall in Cannonsburg, Ky.

Purchase this photo