ERIN TIERNEY/CHRONICLE PHOTO – From left: Victoria Doyle, Chamber CEO Vonnie Mikkelson, owner Greg Melitsoff, and Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon.
SPRINGFIELD – On Thursday, March 31, Jasper’s Tavern reopened its doors with a new look and a new name, all in preparation to move into a new lane – the bike lane, that is. The alternative sports bar is now going by “The Pedaler,” to serve anyone looking to experience, “bites, bikes and boards.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, with speeches from Mayor VanGordon, Springfield Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Vonnie Mikkelsen, and owner Greg Melitsoff.
“If you’ve been downtown Springfield just keep eating your way up here, there are new experiences on every corner,” VanGordon said. “One of the best parts of my job is to congratulate business rebranding and opening, and we’re excited to have you here – Springfield is always open for business.”
Whether you need to fuel up or refill, The Pedaler’s got you covered with a menu full of caffeine, carbs and cocktails. With indoor bike parking, a water-filling station, basic repair tools and a floor pump, Melitsoff is gearing up to attract the cycling crowd.
“Throughout the pandemic, traditional sports ended and cycling grew because people were forced outside,” said Melitsoff. “We kind of decided to reassess things and realized there is a huge running and cycling culture in the Eugene area that we could tap into.”
The Pedaler’s menu boasts vegan and vegetarian fare, as well as hearty burgers and pub classics.
It is located in downtown Springfield, and is open Tuesday-Saturday from 4 p.m. to close.
