Former Bistro New Albany partner Dave Himmel tells NA Confidential that his new downtown eatery and watering hole, to be called Connor’s Place – named in honor of his infant son – has a projected opening date of May 1.
Connor’s Place will occupy ground floor space in the historic building that most readers know as the old Maytag Laundry, located adjacent to the Parthenon at 207 E. Main Street. Both buildings are owned by Third Century Services.
Interior remodeling has begun, and part of the lease package is an atmospheric back bar once housed around the corner at the New Albany Inn – now the Bistro New Albany.Connor’s Place will occupy ground floor space in the historic building that most readers know as the old Maytag Laundry, located adjacent to the Parthenon at 207 E. Main Street. Both buildings are owned by Third Century Services.
Precise details are of course uncertain at this early date, but Dave tells us that he will be acquiring a three-way alcohol sales permit under the auspices of the riverfront development district, and the barroom itself will be on the right side (looking from the front) and separate from a dining area on the left. There is a roomy and shady patio to the rear, which will be accessible from the dining area.
Tentatively, Dave plans a full and varied lunch menu with pub grub in the evenings, and six beers on tap in addition to wine and liquor. He views the warm and historic ambience of the
interior as appealing both to non-drinking diners and sports viewers seeking refreshment during prime events.Connor’s Place stands to occupy another important niche in the growing portfolio of downtown New Albany’s expanding dining, drinking and entertainment options, which include the recently opened Treet’s Bakery Café and the forthcoming Speakeasy on State Street.
These are precisely the sort of developments that attract precisely the sort of people who are needed to fuel and sustain a renaissance, itself something that no longer can be doubted. NA Confidential will continue to chart these trends, and as we do, lift a Progressive Pint to Dave Himmel and these other pioneers downtown, and please support them with your patronage.
(Don’t forget Extreme Belgian at bNA on Monday, March 5)
Photo credit: Building view courtesy of Third Century Services.
6 comments:
Its great to think that we'll finally have several eateries and watering holes within a short walk downtown. A year ago, it was impossible to find somewhere to get a quick bite or a pint of ale after work. Now, it will actually require decision making as to which venue to patronize - very cool stuff.
You mention a three way alcohol permit - is that for beer, wine & spirits? It would be nice to have somewhere to get a bourbon from time to time (not that I'm complaining about being "stuck" with Croupier).
Its getting better and better downtown all the time.
Yes, it's for all three. As a legacy of Prohibition and all that's wrong with that sort of "thinking," Indiana and many other states chose to separate liquor from beer and wine. Permits for the latter are relatively easy to obtain, but until recent years, 3-ways were subject to a quota, meaning that the state created a secondary market for permits -- with none of the accrued value coming back to the state. Idiotic, but that's what alcohol regulation is all about.
NA's Riverfront Development District, approved last year, takes advantage of one of numerous loopholes created by the state and allows businesses within a delineated area by a river (?) to score 3-ways without queueing.
NA's riverfront development district passes first hurdle.
Of course, the quota remains -- just shredded full of holes via exceptions and extensions and tomfoolery. But at least there now are ways around it. I know that Dave likes an occasional sniff of bourbon, so you may be in luck sooner rather than later.
This is great news! I look forward to visiting Connor's Place as soon as it opens. Also, since it is going to be close to lawguy's new digs, perhaps he will meet me there to pay up with some long-awaited ales that he owes me...But I'm not holding my breath.
I believe Dave is hoping to have six beers on tap: One mass-market but not low calorie; one premium golden lager; two NABC and two other rotating. Of course, this is subject to change, but this is how he's leaning at present.
RAB
In fact, PBR is precisely what Dave says he wishes to have on tap as the domestic beer of choice. Really.
Meatbe -
If i knew that you'd been seen in a public with a guy of my character, I'd have bought you a drink long ago. The invitation is always open - we'll just leave our professional ideologies at the door!
Call me!
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