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Soon-to-open sports bar will be a first for Troutman
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Published: August 30, 2009
By mid-September, town residents could be sipping their first cocktails at Troutman Sports and Spirits.
The new sports bar, owned by Brian Brazell, is slated to open sometime between Sept. 15-20.
Nearly two years after town voters approved a referendum allowing the sale of mixed drinks within the town limits, Troutman Sports and Spirits will be the first business to take advantage of the eased regulations.
Town Manager David Saleeby said the town doesn't have an ABC Board, so the restaurant will have to go to Statesville or Mooresville to purchase its liquor.
Manager Rick Burleson said Brazell, who owns a portion of Village Bistro in Ballantyne Village, owns the building on North Main Street and wanted to open a business outside the Charlotte area.
"Charlotte is getting pretty crowded," Burleson said. "There is no sports bar where people can come and relax here. People would be able to enjoy their beverage and favorite game."
The new watering hole will include an 800-square-foot patio out back for smokers and 15 televisions with every sport imaginable, Burleson said.
And what would a sports bar be without darts and pool tables.
Burleson even plans to set up some leagues and possibly feature live music sometime in the future.
Favorite beverages don't have to include alcohol, Burleson said. The bar also has water and soda.
"We want to be community (and) parent friendly," Burleson said. "A lot of excitement has been going on. It's going to be a first-class business."
The bar will rely on Pellegrino's Trattoria next door to supply the food on its 30-item menu. A door will be cut between the two establishments to make it easier for customers to pass between the two locations.
"We are in great shape on food because they are terrific," Burleson said.
Pellegrino's Trattoria co-owner Giovanni Pellegrino said the sports bar offered the Italian restaurant's customers the opportunity to have mixed drinks before their meals.
"I'm excited," Pellegrino said. "I'm looking forward to it."
Pellegrino and his brother Salvatore considered offering mixed drinks when they were designing the restaurant a few years ago, but the referendum had not yet passed. They've toyed with the idea since then, but canceled their plans when Troutman Sports and Spirits decided to open next door.
Pellegrino said it makes more sense for his restaurant financially to partner with the adjoining facility rather than remodeling. He believes that if the economy was in better shape, the area would already have several restaurants with full-service bars.
Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO David Bradley said the referendum was merely a stepping stone necessary to attract the new businesses.
"You will see some growth over there," he said. "I don't know specific names, but I would venture to suggest that there are several chain restaurants interested in Exit 42."
Burleson said the business won't open until it passes all the inspections and receives its liquor license.
"We are working hard on this," he said.
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