#8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. plans to open Whisky River, a bar and live-music venue, in uptown’s new EpiCentre development this December. “It’s going to be a cool hangout,” said Chris Epstein, a nightclub veteran in Charlotte who is partnering with Earnhardt, the majority owner. But don’t expect Whisky River — named for the bar at Earnhardt’s house — to look like a racing watering hole with NASCAR memorabilia strewn about. Rather, it will resemble a basement bar that anyone would enjoy hanging out in — including Junior when he’s in town, Epstein said. Think lots of wood and metal decorations, multiple TVs and a mechanical bull “with rides a bit rougher than those in a race car,” according to a news release. As for food, think bar staples, such as chicken wings. “He really wants it to be a cool place he can take his friends and not be a shrine to anyone,” said Epstein, who owned the former Liquid Lounge in Charlotte. He and Earnhardt worked with Charlotte’s Bar Management Group, which operates Dixie’s Tavern uptown and bars in 21 other cities, to land the EpiCentre location. Earnhardt, who has been sponsored by Budweiser, looked at other markets across the country and closer to home, including Mooresville, before choosing Charlotte. Unavailable Thursday for comment, Earnhardt said in a news release: “Charlotte is where I’m at the most and it’s home.” Whisky River will open in a 10,000-square-foot space facing East Trade Street across from the Bobcat Arena’s main entrance. When asked how much Earnhardt was investing in the entertainment venture, spokesman John Rhodes left it at “a lot.” Earnhardt and Epstein expect Whisky River to be popular with Charlotte residents looking for uptown entertainment as well as visitors, especially those checking out the NASCAR Hall of Fame, slated to open in 2010 at Stonewall and Caldwell streets.(Charlotte Observer)(9-7-2007)
