Country is the theme of a new bar in town and owners want to make it a smoking hot destination.
Spurs Country Bar has taken over the space that was once the Haney Public House, at the corner of 222 Street and Lougheed Highway.
Yvan Charette, former owner of the Haney, is the current owner of Spurs, along with another business partner.
Dustin Bittroff, operations manager for MPG Hospitality, the boutique hospitality company that operates pubs in Mission, Pitt Meadows, and now Spurs in Maple Ridge, said this venture is completely different. The plan for Spurs is that it will be a destination bar for the Lower Mainland and beyond.
“We just saw a gap in the market and the demand for a good, friendly, safe place to come in, have your drinks, and offer a new type of dining that isn’t offered currently in Maple Ridge,” Bittroff explained.
First of all, the decor is completely authentic, from the antler chandeliers to the wall decor.
They purchased a 100-year-old barn and reclaimed the wood to use as paneling throughout the entire restaurant.
Bittroff described the decor as old country style, with a hint of rodeo.
“We wanted to stay true, almost redneck fashion,” he said.
The entertainment is going to be true to a country-style bar.
On Thursdays, starting Nov. 27, and every Friday and Saturday, there is free line dancing from 7-8 p.m.
And to kick off the line dancing, they are going to play what Bittroff calls their signature song, “Save a Horse (Ride A Cowboy),” and all the staff gather on the floor and dance.
“So it’s a real attention getter,” he said. “It creates that vibe.”
The menu is brand new as well, with a focus on smoked meats and barbecue. Meats like pork, ribs, chicken, and brisket will be smoked in an outdoor smoker on the premises, and they have also curated a list of signature cocktails to accompany the menu.
They will also have rotating live bands, and starting on Nov. 27 there will be country karaoke as well.
Right now, Bittroff said, they are sticking to weekends as they perfect the country experience.
And, he hopes the community will jump into the saddle.
“Country is the hottest thing right now, it’s big,” and, he added, they are very passionate about bringing a different concept to Maple Ridge than your every day pub.