Sundy receives first OTC Distinguished Alumni award

Paul Sundy, Ozarks Technical Community College graduate and local business entrepreneur, was awarded the first OTC Distinguished Alumni award.

The award was presented during the College’s recent 2010 Commencement ceremony.

Sundy is the owner/operator of a number of Springfield’s most popular restaurants and lounges, including Big Whiskey’s American Bar and Grill, Parlor Eighty-Eight Lounge, Fedora Social House, the Whole Hog Café and Einstein Bros. Bagels.

“Paul was chosen because of the positive impact he has had not only on revitalized downtown Springfield, but on the entire community.  He has contributed to economic growth, created jobs, and demonstrated tremendous entrepreneurial spirit,” says Dr. Hal Higdon, president of Ozarks Technical Community College.

Sundy is actively involved in the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and regularly involves each of his brands in various community charity events.

A graduate of Marionville High School, Sundy earned his Associate of Arts degree from OTC in 2001. He met his wife while attending OTC; they now have two children.

Sundy opened his first business, Icon nightclub, in 2003. He followed that with the opening of Big Whiskey’s in 2005, Parlor Eighty-Eight in 2007 and Fedora’s in 2008.

Sundy received the first Missouri license for Arkansas’ Whole Hog Café. He has opened a Big Whiskey’s in Little Rock, Ark., and plans to open 15-30 more Big Whiskey’s and Parlor Eighty-Eights over the next 10 years.