Bill Atkinson

PENN TWP — A popular Butler chef has taken over managing the former Runway Sports Bar and Grill.

Bill Atkinson, the owner and chef at the Chop Shop on Main Street in the city, is bringing new ideas to the restaurant on Airport Road.

“Before (the restaurant) was lacking an identity,” he said. “Hopefully I can give it one.”

The restaurant and bar, which stands next to the Butler County Airport, will now be called the Hangar 4.7.3.

It will pay homage to the history of the airport, which dates back to the 1920s, with a “speakeasy” era theme.

Atkinson said the restaurant has been heavily renovated since early April. The interior has been made more open and the bar has been reversed so patrons can look out the window at the runway.

“It used to just face the wall,” Atkinson said.

Atkinson, who has owned and operated the Chop Shop since 2011, said he was approached by Steve Muck, owner of the Runway, months ago about possibly managing the restaurant.

“He wasn’t thrilled with how it was performing before,” Atkinson said. “I told him my opinions and he asked if I wanted to give it a shot.”

Atkinson said the restaurant’s menu will be concise and seasonal, and will have a strong focus on its entrees.

One of the signature dishes will be the Hangar Steak, which will be a fillet shoulder cut of beef.

“It’s not a readily available cut,” Atkinson said. “You need a butcher to cut it just right or else it’ll be chewy.” The menu will have a strong emphasis on locally sourced food, Atkinson said. He has already set up plans with local farmers for ingredients for his dishes.

Atkinson said the restaurant’s renovations are complete and its doors should be open for business within a few weeks.

The chef will continue to work at both the Chop Shop and the Hangar.