Est. 1988
Our Story
“We Are Part of the Tradition — Go Irish!”
The Beginning
Back in 1988, Rosario “Ross” Mittiga, a 44-year-old immigrant from the hills of Calabria in Southern Italy, purchased a bar called the Cap-n-Cork Lounge. It wasn't much of a student hangout at the time — a local, smoky, blue-collar kind of place.
Ross set out to change that. He replaced the dilapidated wood façade with brick, added windows for natural light, and tore out the drop ceiling to reveal a stunning original stamped tin ceiling dating back to the building's construction in 1898.
The Rudy Connection
Shortly after the renovations, representatives from Tri-Star Pictures approached Ross about filming scenes for a movie about a Notre Dame student who dreamed of playing football for the Irish. The film was Rudy.
The bar would portray “Corby's,” a favorite player hangout from the 1970s just southwest of campus. Tri-Star fell in love with the bar, spent a week remodeling and decorating it, and a second week filming.
In their wake, they left behind beautiful Hollywood-painted murals, a large Corby's neon sign, bar placards, the Four Horsemen mural on canvas, and more — all of which still adorn the walls today.
Ross renamed the bar Corby's and was left with a landmark that had instant brand recognition.
The Legacy
With 16 beers on tap, a full bar, a handmade pizza kitchen, bar games, and flat screen TVs throughout, Corby's is the go-to spot for catching a game, grabbing a cold beer, and soaking in Notre Dame tradition.
The pub's original 1898 stamped tin ceiling and rich history make it one of the most unique and storied bars in Indiana. While Ross isn't around as often as he used to be, the tradition he started lives on.
Ross and family thank all their loyal customers over the years who made this amazing story possible.
The Founder
Rosario “Ross” Mittiga
Founder & Owner
Ross Mittiga, an immigrant from the hills of Calabria in Southern Italy, purchased the bar in 1988 and transformed it from the Cap-n-Cork Lounge into the South Bend landmark it is today. His renovations — including exposing the original 1898 stamped tin ceiling — caught the eye of Tri-Star Pictures, leading to Corby's iconic role in the movie Rudy.
Recognized As
“CHEERS TO YOU & GO IRISH!!”
— Ross Mittiga & Family, Founders of Corby's Irish Pub