Open Concept will reopen in the old Firecracker Pizza & Beer space in the Grove in late April
Recently, a “For Lease” sign appeared in the window of Open Concept’s 2712 Cherokee St. location, opening up speculation about the bar’s future; however, in one of the more uplifting turns in recent news, co-owner Michael Butler has confirmed that Open Concept has actually moved to the Grove and will reopen for full service on April 29. Its new home is the former Firecracker Pizza & Beer building at 4130 Manchester Ave.
“We originally wanted to be in the Grove,” said Michael Butler, who co-owns Open Concept with partner John Latham. “We looked at the Ember space, but they beat us by three weeks.” The miss turned out to be fortuitous, because when the Firecracker building (complete with its massive tap system) became available, Butler knew it would be the right move.
Notorious for its drink-all-you-can-in-an-hour model, the new Open Concept is a bit mellower, offering a flat $24 cover charge for bottomless drinking without a time limit; patrons wanting to experience the concept in full can pay $44 for bottomless premium and top shelf drinks. Firecracker’s extensive tap system will be used for batched mixed drinks, wine and beer, with as many as 40 beverages on tap at once, including 25 cocktails. “We like to say we have the fastest bar in the country,” Butler said, laughing. “After being here for 30 seconds, you’re going to get a drink.”
The new Open Concept will have a to-be-determined weekend brunch menu available on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be open Thursday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The space will be a mix of new and old – the bar will still offer board games and TVs, but will have a much larger capacity, with an occupancy of 250 between the inside and the back patio.
