After a frenzied opening on Friday, Dirty’s Bar and Grill, on the location of the now-closed Georgie Boy’s, is officially open for business.

Beverly Herr, general manager and owner of Dirty’s, said although the restaurant encountered a rushed start by last-minute production of menus and computer system changes in the first two nights of business, they are now on the right track for business.

“It was hectic, but fun,” she said.

Herr said while the fast-paced atmosphere was initially stressful for their employees, as they talk to customers and prepared orders, it soon became a fun hands-on learning experience.

“It was almost like their training,” she said.

Herr said as the staff settled into the flow of business, customers did not mind the initial wait.

“Everyone was very patient and understanding,” she said.

Herr said because Dirty’s never uses frozen food, many of the cooks are adjusting to the different method of cooking.

“Cooking food that is fresh and not prepared is a lot of work,” she said.

Herr said so far, burgers are proving to be the most popular item on the menu.

“We had so many people wanting them that we ran out of sirloin after the first day and had to get more,” she said.

Herr said the customers especially enjoyed the unique bar atmosphere at Dirty’s.

“A lot of people just hung out and had fun,” she said. “It isn’t a typical bar.”

Herr said the most popular drinks included martinis and mojitos.

Once business at Dirty’s begins to settle in, Herr said she has goals she would like to achieve for the restaurant.

She said their main aspiration is to expand their customer base.

“We hope to get people from Mattoon,” she said. “We want them to know they can come to Charleston and eat here.”

Herr said she also hopes to eventually be able to hold once-a-month charity events, in which a percentage of customers’ total bill would be donated to local charities.

Herr said Dirty’s also hopes to eventually hold a once a week breakfasts, most likely during the weekend.

In the mean time, Herr said Dirty’s is working to create a solid ground from which they can work their way up.

“We’re all excited,” she said. “It’s been a rocky start, but everyone’s doing a great job. It can only get better.”

Sara Hall can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].