The renovations of Rosy’s Roadhouse, 930 Pappas Drive, distract customers from the not-so-impressive food.

If you went to Starbusters before Rosy’s bought it out, you know it was a crazy rundown bar where students usually went. The floors were trashed, and hopefully you didn’t have to use the bathroom at all while you were there. The renovations are noticeable right from the start.

All weekend Rosy’s had a limo and hummer serve as drunk busses. These were among many new improvements I am glad to see.

The best part about the renovation is the place doesn’t smell like a mixture of vomit, urine and popcorn anymore.

Rosy’s redid the flooring and added new televisions, lights and sounds. The strobe lights and other lighting will be great for performances.

Two of the owners, Rosy Amodio and Joe Chavez, believe the renovations and incoming talent are the strongest parts of this establishment.

I came in on Thursday, the first day of their grand opening debut, to check it out, and it was very impressive. It was very crowded and the DJ performance and the lights were a great choice for the opening night.

It is a good idea to open a kitchen at Rosy’s Roadhouse. I can definitely see sports fans coming in to enjoy a burger and beer while watching the game with all of the new TVs that were added to the place. It could create some competition with Fatty’s, 1312 W. Lincoln Highway, or Molly’s, 1000 W. Lincoln Highway, but before that happens there needs to be some major improvements in the kitchen.

I went to Rosy’s Roadhouse Wednesday before the official debut to try the food for the first time. I did not come in with high expectations because this is a college town bar and restaurant — no one should be expecting five-star cuisine.

The Roadhouse Burger was good. It came topped with bacon, pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, lettuce and tomato with some chipotle mayo on a pretzel bun. The pretzel bun was a good addition to the burger, and I definitely enjoyed the little kick the jalapenos gave.

Since French fries were not in stock yet, you could choose a side of homemade mac and cheese or chips and salsa. The mac and cheese also had jalapeno, which made it stand out from other restaurants’. The meal was good, but not everyone had my luck.

My order was the only order the chefs got right. One customer could not put her fork in her mini buffalo chicken sandwiches because they were so overcooked. Another person did not receive her order of a burger and wraps.

Chavez and Amodio agreed that the kitchen is what needs to be worked on the most.

“Everything is a work in progress,” Chavez said. “Come try us out again. We will be making changes.”

My first time eating at Rosy’s Roadhouse did not go so well, but I still have faith.

I came before the opening and they are still trying to fix everything up. I also like being a fan of the underdog, so they will have another shot at redemption later on this year.

While the kitchen is being fixed, enjoy the newly renovated venue and some drinks.