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Sports bar becomes first restaurant in Troutman to serve liquor
Regan Hill photo
Dan McGathey bar tends at the new Troutman Sports and Spirits on Friday evening.
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Published: October 11, 2009
Mike Stoddard and his wife Terri liked the atmosphere of Troutman Sports and Spirits so much during Sunday night's invitation-only party they came back Friday.
The couple said the new bar was roomy and didn't smell like smoke like other bars they have patronized do.
"We've been here before, so we know the food is nice," Mike Stoddard said, looking over the menu. "It's something this town needed."
Customers and staff members echoed Stoddard's sentiments.
The new sports bar owned by Brian Brazell, who owns a portion of Village Bistro in Ballantyne Village, opened to the public Tuesday and is the first establishment in the town to have a liquor license.
Nearly two years since the referendum passed allowing the sale of mixed drinks within the town limits, Troutman Sports and Spirits is the first to take advantage of the eased regulations.
Manager Rick Burleson said the sports bar's opening has gone smoothly so far.
"We are doing some finishing touches," he said. "It started out real slow. Everyone is really excited. We met a lot of people."
The bar is holding back on offering specials on drinks and food right now, Burleson said. He wants to know what people enjoy before discounting it.
A lot of customers have been complimentary about the service they've received, as well as the menu, Burleson said.
The bar is using Pellegrino's Trattoria — which is next door — to supply food for its similar 30-item menu.
A door was installed between the establishments to make it easier for customers and food to pass between the locations.
At least three birthday celebrations have made their way to Troutman Sports and Spirits, Burleson said. People are also enjoying the pool tables, dartboards and trivia machines, he said.
The new North Main Street watering hole will eventually include an 800-square-foot patio out back for smokers and has 15 televisions tuned to sports, Burleson said.
"It was much needed," said Trisha Young, who works at Troutman Sports and Spirits. "I think they've been excited to have us here. They've been thrilled to have somewhere close to home."
Her co-worker, Christie Hignutt, said she believes the crowds will get better once more people know the bar is open.
Before the mixed drink referendum passed, many people voiced their opposition to the proposal because they were worried about an increase in people driving intoxicated.
Burleson said he stresses to his staff that they have a responsibility to watch customers' intake.
"We are only going to serve to the point where people leave here safely," he said.
Troutman resident Paul Hemingfield said his family has lived in Troutman for seven years and is glad to have a place to enjoy close to home. Hemingfield was out with his friend, Peter Lee, on Friday.
"It saves us a drive from Statesville or Mooresville," Lee said.
Hemingfield said he knows that the mixed drink referendum was a hard sale for some in the town, but he believes that once the economy picks up, the lifted restrictions will help attract more businesses.
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