The Tavern Restaurant Group was founded by W.N. Sanders. He opened his first restaurant, a Long John Silvers, in 1973 while still attending college at the University of Kentucky.  Upon graduation he went on to own and operate seventeen additional locations in Cincinnati, Kentucky and Florida.

In 1981, Mr. Sanders pursued his dream of developing his own restaurant company and opened his first deSha’s in Maysville, Kentucky. The American tavern was a big hit and diners enjoyed the contemporary cuisine and attention to hospitality. He subsequently opened two additional deSha’s restaurants in Lexington and Cincinnati.

In 1997, Mr. Sanders was among the first restaurateurs to bring the popular UK gastropub concept across the pond to the U.S.   He opened Nicholson’s in downtown Cincinnati across from the Aronoff Center. The concept combines an authentic Scottish pub atmosphere with creative cuisine, a carefully crafted beverage selection and outstanding service.

Recognized for his ability to create unique restaurant concepts, Mr. Sanders was offered the opportunity to develop a concept specifically for the Rookwood Commons lifestyle center in Cincinnati Ohio.  Born out of his desire to create an authentic English pub, Mr. Sanders created and opened The Pub at Rookwood Mews, in December of 2001.  The menu, featuring classic pub food with a twist, combined with an impressive beverage list and an authentic British pub atmosphere became an instant success.

Mr. Sanders created and opened The Polo Grille in 2004.  Located in Mason, Ohio on the site of the former Cincinnati Polo Club, the restaurant decor pays homage to Cincinnati’s history in the sport of Polo and while the chef takes his food seriously, the dining experience is fun and relaxing.

In addition to opening The Polo Grille in 2004, the wide appeal of the Rookwood Pub and its financial success convinced Mr. Sanders to focus his energies on further developing The Pub concept.  There are currently ten locations throughout Ohio, Kentucky and Florida.

While remaining independently owned and operated, The Tavern Restaurant Group has grown to four unique concepts and fifteen locations.  All of the TRG restaurants are committed to creating an excellent dining experience that combines creative cuisine and a carefully crafted beverage program with outstanding service in an original and authentic atmosphere.