OFT PONDERED QUERIES
DIRECTIONS
How do I get to the Bull Run Restaurant? Click HERE for Directions to Bull Run.
HOW DO I CONTACT THE BULL RUN?
We serve Dinner Wed - Sun from 4PM, Saturday Lunch from 11AM and Sunday Brunch from 10AM.
We have morning office hours only on Mondays and Tuesdays.
When we aren’t able to get to the phone, we have an answering machine. You can also send an email to office@bullrunrestaurant.com.
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To BOOK A FUNCTION, please email: amandadavidson@bullrunrestaurant.com
To visit us, the address is Bull Run Restaurant 215 Great Road Shirley, MA 01464
To SEND MAIL, the address is P.O. Box 1228, Shirley, MA 01464
Phone: 978-425-4311
WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF OPERATION FOR THE BULL RUN?*
Dinner: Wed - Sat from 4PM
Saturday Lunch: 11AM - 3:30PM
Sunday Brunch: 10AM - 2PM
Sunday Dinner: 2:30PM - 7:45PM
*HOLIDAY HOURS & MENUS ARE DIFFERENT!
HOLIDAY HOURS: CLICK HERE
RESERVATIONS
Guaranteed seating requires a reservation. Please call us at 978-425-4311
You can make reservations through Resy.com. Go to our home page & click on the button that says RESERVE A TABLE.
You will need to download the Resy.com app.
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If you are coming to a show, when you buy your tickets you automatically have dinner reservations in the room where the show takes place.
However your ticket price does not include food or drink - you pay for that separately. There is a $15. minimum per person in the Concert.
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THE BULL RUN "BE NICE' RULE
The Bull Run has been in our family for 78 years. Over seven decades, we have established a strict "BE NICE" rule. This means we encourage you to bring any concerns to the attention of ownership or management during your visit - not after the fact - and we will go out of our way to ensure your comfort and satisfaction. We do not tolerate hate speech, whether verbal or written on clothing. We do not tolerate loud talking during performances and will remove any patron whose behavior is disruptive to performers, staff or other patrons.
The Bull Run reserves the right to refuse service in response to disrespectful behavior of any kind, particularly when it comes to our employees or performers. All of our wait staff & bar staff are "T.I.P.S. certified" and we stand behind their decision to refuse service to any patron. The Bull Run is not responsible for the personal opinions expressed from the stage by performers, musicians, poets, storytellers, speakers or comedians, whether booked by us or brought in by a sponsoring organization.
More than 95% of our shows are appropriate for all ages, but if you have questions or concerns about a specific performance, please
contact management via email: info@bullrunrestaurant.com or call the front desk during the day at 978-425-4311.
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DINNER AND SHOW?
All of our concerts are a la carte and your ticket price does not include the cost of any food or drink.
We ask that you arrive early enough to be finished eating before the show starts so that we do not disturb the performers by clearing plates during their show. PLEASE BE AWARE: The Bull Run has a $15 minimum per person for all shows. Why do we have a minimum? Your patronage while here ensures that we will be able to continue to present quality entertainment in our intimate, friendly, locally owned business.
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Your ticket purchase does NOT include the cost of your meal.
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Your ticket purchase guarantees you a seat at a specific table. It does not guarantee you a specific seat, only the table.
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You must be present in the room to choose the specific seat at your designated table.
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You are welcome to turn your seat around once the show starts for viewing.
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There are no bad or obstructed views in either performance room. No seat is further than 40 feet from our stage.
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We occasionally include a dance floor at the artist's request for some shows which means dancing may occur near your table. If you are concerned about people dancing next to you, do not choose seating near the dance floor. Call our Front Desk if you need help choosing a table or you have questions.
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ALL SALES ARE FINAL. TICKETS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.
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WHY IS THERE A $15 MINIMUM FOR FOOD OR DRINK AT SHOWS?
We are a restaurant and a concert venue. In order for us to do what we do - present great international, national or up & coming acts in an intimate, friendly & locally run venue, there is a minimum $15 for every seat. We feel it's a reasonable amount and we ask that you think about it this way: what you spend here allows us to employ 74 people locally, fulfill our mission of buying primarily from local farms & purveyors, and run a multi-generational family business that in turn supports many local institutions like the schools, libraries, museums, fundraisers, sports teams & charity events. We have been doing that for seven decades and we truly appreciate your business. Our tipped staff who make their living serving you appreciate your patronage too.
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WHAT IS THE KITCHEN APPRECIATION FEE?
Post-Covid, we have instituted a Kitchen Appreciation Fee (KAF). This fee is entirely OPTIONAL. If you enjoyed dinner and would like to include it, the KAF is 3% of your meal only, and it goes directly to the non-tipped, back of house employees. For example, if your bill before tax is $50, the KAF is $1.50. If you prefer not to have it added, simply put a line through it on your bill and the server will know to remove it. It is not taxed.
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PARKING
It looks small from the road, but the Bull Run has a large parking lot on both sides of our Covered Bridge. Parking across the bridge is well lit on private property for Bull Run patrons only. If you obstruct any spots in front of the package store next to us, or block fire exits, handicapped designated spots or our dumpsters, you will be towed.
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SMOKING
The Bull Run is a NON-SMOKING venue. We ask that you deposit your cigarette butts in the buckets provided rather than leave them on the ground or near our building as they can be washed into the river by rain.
ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING on our one-of-a-kind Covered Bridge.
If you must smoke outside, please be aware of your smoke drift when we have patrons on our outdoor patios.
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ACCESSIBILITY
All of our rooms at Bull Run are wheelchair accessible, except for the 3rd floor Ballroom, Noble Room & Chimney Room which are located above our historic building. For assistance in accessing these rooms, please contact the Innkeepers.
For Sawtelle Room & Tap Room/Lounge, please enter through our front door ramp.
For events in our Studio Room, Garden Room, or Patio, please enter through the Sawtelle entrance in the back, across from our Covered Bridge. There are accessible mens & ladies rooms on every floor. WHEELCHAIR PATRONS are most comfortably accommodated in the Sawtelle Room at TABLE #21. Please enter through our front door on Route 2A for ramp access. Feel free to call us in advance to let us know if you require assistance: 978-425-4311.
HISTORY
Alison & George have owned the Bull Run since 2010. The Bull Run has been in Alison’s family since 1946 when her father, Lee Guercio, Sr. & his wife Mary lived above the Tavern and ran the restaurant. The oldest room in the house is called The Early American Room, followed by the Tap Room. Lee & Mary added The Sawtelle House in 1971 to accommodate their growing business. From 1990, when Lee passed, Alison’s brother Chip & his wife Dolores owned & operated Bull Run. The restaurant is now managed by the 3rd generation of the family and we all work together with various nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and even a few outlaws. We’re proud of our staff and their commitment to the business. For more information on the history of the Bull Run, please click HERE
DRESS CODE
The Bull Run features seven different rooms and we often have more than one event going on the same night. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who is inappropriately dressed, including vulgar language on t-shirts or hats. We want you to be comfortable and suggest appropriate dress that is presentable for a night out at a nice venue.
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WHAT KIND OF BEER DOES THE BULL RUN SERVE
The Bull Run is a full service restaurant with full bar. We serve several local brews on tap, including The People’s Pint, brewed in Greenfield, MA, and Wachusett beers, also brewed in Massachusetts. Other beers on tap include a seasonal Sam Adams, BBC, and many local brews that change regularly. We have all the most popular bottled beers. We also serve Oak Hill Blend Hard Apple Cider, made right here in Harvard MA which is gluten free. We have Guinness on Tap because Guinness is Good for You.
PAYMENT METHODS
The Bull Run accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Gift Certificates, Travelers Checks, and Good Old-fashioned Cash.
If we know you, we’ll take a check, but we only know a few people.
SEPARATE CHECKS
We can easily do separate checks but we require you to tell us in advance of your meal that you prefer the checks separately.
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TICKETING POLICY
I purchased tickets and now have a conflict. Can I get a refund?
There are 3 important things to know about buying tickets to Bull Run shows:
1.) TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE & ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
2.) TICKET FEES APPLY WHETHER YOU PURCHASE ONLINE OR IN PERSON, BY CREDIT CARD, CASH OR GIFT CERTIFICATE.
3.) TICKET PRICES INCREASE DAY OF SHOW.
You must provide your telephone number & correct email address to receive confirmation of your ticket purchase.
If a show is cancelled and rescheduled, we will honor your ticket for the make-up date.
To pick up your tickets at the door, we will require the ID and credit card of the purchaser.​
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There is a $5.00 fee per ticket for seating changes.
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If a show is postponed and rescheduled to a future date, your ticket will automatically transfer to the same table on the rescheduled date.
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PRESS & MEDIA INQUIRIES & SHOW TICKETS
I am a member of the media and need more info. Who can I speak with?
Most background information is available on our website. We are happy to do interviews for the restaurant, and often can arrange interviews with the talent that we showcase for media.
For press inquiries about the restaurant, please send an email to: alison.bullrun@gmail.com
For press inquiries about performers or upcoming shows, please send an email to: bullrungeorge@gmail.com.
Include your name, contact info, and specifics on what you are interested in. We respect your deadlines and will promptly respond!
And see our Menus HERE
And read our History HERE
At times we are able to set aside seats at shows for media. All arrangements MUST be done in advance through our General Manager or the owners. We require proper credentials of your media affiliation.
CAN YOU ADD/REMOVE MY NAME FROM THE BULL RUN MAILING LIST?
We respect your privacy. Please send an email asking to be added or deleted from our email list to info@bullrunrestaurant.com.
The Bull Run will never sell or share your information with any third party. We send out two emails per week only.
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WHAT TIME DO THE DOORS OPEN FOR CONCERTS?
Doors open for weekend shows at 6pm for dinner prior to an 8pm concert.
Doors open for weeknight shows at 5:30pm for dinner & 7:30pm show.
The Tap Room is open and you can always have a drink in our Tavern prior but we strongly recommend you reserve a spot on weekends. Please check to make sure you know which room your show is in! We have two Concert venues - the 300 seat Sawtelle Supper Room and the 65 seat Ballroom above the Tavern.
Occasionally we will have different start times. Please check our concert line up to be sure you have the right info.
Most shows are 90 minutes but it is up to the performer how long they play & whether they do one 90 minute set or two shorter sets with a brief intermission to sell their merchandise.
CAN I BUY TICKETS AT THE DOOR?
IF there are tickets available on day of show, you can buy them at the door. MANY shows sell out in advance so it's best to buy early.
PLEASE NOTE: Ticket prices are higher on the day of the show and may not always be available. All ticketing fees apply.
We prefer you buy in advance, so we know you are coming! But if you come last minute, we will do our best to accommodate you if seats are still available. You can buy tickets in advance during regular business hours from our front desk in person or by phone, or by going online. Please note: The same service fees apply whether you buy online, in person, or by phone, and we cannot guarantee tickets day of show. There are NO REFUNDS.
WHAT IF I WANT TO CHANGE MY SEATS AFTER I'VE BOUGHT MY TICKETS?
There is a $5.00 fee per ticket to make seat changes. NO exceptions. Seat changes are not always possible.
The Sawtelle Room seats just 300 and there are no obstructed views. The Ballroom seats 65 with no obstructed views.
CAN I CHOOSE MY SEATS FOR THE CONCERTS?
By buying a ticket, you have reserved a seat at a specific table, NOT a specific seat. It is not allowed to "save seats" and seating is on a first come, first served basis. You will see a map and be able to choose the number of tickets at available tables by hovering your mouse over the diagram. If a table is NOT available, when you scroll over it, it will say SOLD OUT. If a show is general seating, nothing will happen when you scroll over the map. There are no bad or obstructed views in any room.
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THERE ARE ONLY 2 OF US BUT THE TABLES ARE ALL FOR 8 ON THE CONCERT SEATING MAP. WHY?
All tables for the Concerts are set for 6 or 8 people, and it is likely you will be sitting with other people at your table. While you choose your table when you buy tickets, the actual seat at that table is first-come, first-served. Total capacity for the Sawtelle Room is 300. Total capacity for the Ballroom is 65.
CAN I TAKE PICTURES AND/ OR RECORD THE SHOW?
No. Most of our artists prefer absolutely NO flash photos or recording of their set unless you have specific permission to do so.
Please respect the artist’s wishes during the performance. If you want to take a non-flash photo, we ask that you step to the back of the room to do so and not hold up your phone which may block the view of those seated behind you.
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WILL THE ARTIST COME OUT FOR PHOTOS OR AUTOGRAPHS AFTER THE SHOW?
Most artists do come up to greet guests and take photos after the show. However it's up to the artist and we can't guarantee it.
CAN I EAT DURING THE SHOW?
We open 2 hours prior to each performance so you can finish eating before the show. We serve desserts & drinks during the concert.
Doors typically open at 6:00 P.M. on weekends & 5:30 P.M. on weeknights. Some shows may differ. Please see the ticket page for details.
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WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS?
The Bull Run has numerous items on the menu that are gluten free. They are all clearly marked with a small GF for Gluten Free or DF for Dairy Free next to the menu item. We are also vegetarian & vegan friendly and make a tasty homemade veggie burger among other choices. We are happy to accommodate you if you give us a call and let us know IN ADVANCE of any requests beyond what is already available on our menus. We cannot always guarantee special requests without prior notice.
CANCELLATIONS
How will I know if a show is cancelled due to weather? This is New England so the weather is changeable. IF weather is an issue, we will contact you via phone and email (assuming you provided us with both when you purchased tickets). We will also update our website and our Facebook page. IF we need to cancel we will refund or transfer your tickets with your agreement to another show. Please note, this type of refund is only available if a show is cancelled. It does not apply to shows that go on or are rescheduled. When you purchase tickets to our events, you agree to all our terms for ticket sales.
I'M A MUSICIAN - HOW DO I GET BOOKED AT THE BULL RUN?
For information on playing at our venue, please go HERE
WHERE CAN I STAY IF I'M TRAVELING TO THE BULL RUN?
The closest hotels are the Devens Marriott or the Devens Hilton Garden Inn, both located in Ayer, MA., the next town east of Shirley. There are multiple airbnb.com listings nearby and other hotels in nearby towns. We recommend The Howarth House B&B in Fitchburg, MA,
The Groton Inn or The Lyttleton Inn, at 423 King Street in Littleton, MA. Please see WHERE TO STAY on our website.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT UPCOMING SHOWS AT BULL RUN?
Patrons who join our Egopantis Newsletter will receive a once weekly update via email about what’s going on at Bull Run and occasional updates about shows we’ve just added. We will not share your info with anyone. To sign up, CLICK HERE.
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