Big Poppa's replaces Horsefeathers Pub near Patterson Park
A new spot named Big Poppa's Bar & Grill has replaced the old dive Horsefeathers Pub at 40 N. Streeper St. near Patterson Park.
While the new owners, Shannon Lanier and Rico Amero (pictured), are following a familiar blueprint, the renovation process is surprisingly transparent.
Lanier and Amero, who are leasing the building, have uploaded floor plans and a detailed business plan to the bar's Web site. Check 'em out. You don't see behind-the-scenes stuff like this too often.
Their reasoning seems to be two-fold. First, they want investors. Second, they want the community to know what they're about.
"It's probably not the normal mode of business," Lanier said. "It gives everyone the idea that we're not just some corporation coming in."
Even though the wave of renovations and development in Patterson Park seems to have abated, they think they are enough young professionals to keep this place afloat.
Lanier and Amero have a six-month plan for the space. Already, renovations are underway ...
They added draft beer lines (Blue Moon, Dogfish Head, etc.) and flat screen TVs and are in the process of moving the bar from the side of the building to the rear. That way, they can have a seating area right as you walk in.
"For years, it's been a neighborhood watering hole," Lanier said. "We want to make it a bar and grill."
Right now, they're about halfway finished putting in new wood flooring. Soon, the building will have a new coat of paint. The color? Lime green. Yikes! That should make it stand out some. Amero is working on bringing in some low key live music, too, Lanier said.
"We're trying to clean it up and make it more inviting," he said.
The name seems kind of random. But once you see Lanier and Amero in person, you get it.
"Rico's a 350-pound dude and I'm about 280," Lanier said. "We're big guys."
Thanks to Cardwell for the tip.
I've been The Baltimore Sun's nightlife and local entertainment reporter for a couple years, and it's surprising how much the scene has grown in that time. Most of Baltimore's bars and clubs are unpretentious places with fairly cheap drinks and plenty of character. I like dancing and think this city needs more clubs, but nothing beats having a cold, locally brewed beer with friends in a comfortably full corner bar.
Comments
No problem Sam. I am excited about a new place to eat and drink that's 2-3 blocks from my house.
Posted by: Cardwell | July 7, 2009 1:04 PM
Their website indicates that they plan to be a serious live-entertainment venue. Horsefeather's didn't offer live entertainment. I wish them the best of luck, because they're in a residential neighborhood and they are going to need some community support.
I also like the profit-sharing agreement, where a $5,000.00 investment gets you 1/2 of 1 percent of the profits. I know people who have spent $5,000.00 in a bar as a customer. At least you could say you owned the place to impress a date.
Posted by: SF | July 7, 2009 1:37 PM
Sam,
Thanks so much for the warm welcome!
Just to be clear... I'm only around 347 or so...
seriously, we are so stoked about being in Baltimore!
Keep your eyes open folks, there is something special going on at the park...
Peace, and love,
R.
Posted by: Rico Amero ( Big Poppa) | July 7, 2009 2:09 PM