By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Fort Tavern and Patio Bar in Hays is preparing for a summer rebrand as it gets set to close its doors.
The Fort, 109 W. Seventh St., announced on social media that it will close May 19 after more than four years in business, but gift cards will be accepted until then.
Tara Thorne and Bob Shuvert are set to take over the bar and rebrand it as Lokal. The country-themed dance bar is expected to open in mid to late June with a local band performance.
"The people of Hays have wanted a country dancing bar again. We're bringing that back," Thorne said.
The venue will shift away from family-oriented attractions and focus on adult-centered entertainment, including country music nights, live bands and Mexican nights featuring mariachi performances.
Thorne emphasized bringing country dancing back to Hays by playing different decades of country music to create a fun, safe environment for adults and college students.
"We're in cowboy country," she said. "Cowboys like to come out, dance and dress up."
Thorne and Shuvert aim to maintain the building’s current look while changing the atmosphere. They plan to add cornhole, chipping tournaments, a dart tournament, outdoor concerts and line dancing lessons for over the weekend.
The location features a spacious patio and amphitheater. Lokal's Facebook page will launch on May 21 to provide updates and announce upcoming events.
The planned hours of operation for Lokal are
7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursdays, which will be 18 and older
2 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays
11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
Thorne is originally from Colorado but has lived in Hays for 14 years.
