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Glowing neon beer signs now hang in the windows of More's Tavern at the corner of State and York streets, the former Frank's Inn. Owner Frank Piorkowski closed the bar and restaurant in 2018.

Operating the new business are Toby and Kimmy More, of Cayuga.

"We’ve always thought this location should have a bar," Toby told ºüÀêÊÓƵɫ°æ. "The idea we had was to make it somewhere safe, somewhere fun."

While the Mores extensively renovated the bar, they've been in no hurry to pack people inside. They close at 10 p.m. most nights to "keep out the riffraff," Toby said, and currently have no exterior sign, website or social media. Instead, they've used word-of-mouth to bring in customers, attracting a following from not only Auburn but Throop and Port Byron.

Next, the Mores plan to finalize the bar's kitchen and outdoor space so people can enjoy light food and eventually listen to live music. 

The menu won't be big, they said, but will include soups, sandwiches, quesadillas, charcuterie and more. 

'Where people felt welcome'

More's isn't the first establishment for its namesakes.

Eight years ago, they took over Tailgaters Sports Bar at Off-Track Betting on the Arterial and North Street. 

Toby, who also works as an independent contractor, said the State Street tavern has a different atmosphere than Tailgaters because they have more freedom without the gaming side of the business.

"I wanted something cozy, where people felt welcome," Kimmy told ºüÀêÊÓƵɫ°æ. "Where people could come and have a good time."

The soft gray barroom at More's has a variety of seating options, a dartboard and seven televisions for sports. As football season approaches, they're considering an NFL Sunday Ticket subscription. 

While some beer signage bears the Buffalo Bills logo, Toby said having a designated sports team isn't as important as having people come in and enjoy the games.

A variety of ages have come into the tavern so far, and the Mores hope to keep it that way.

Asked whether they might open a third bar if their latest is successful, Toby laughed and smiled. 

"Yeah, no more headaches," he said.