By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Fort Tavern and Patio Bar will soon be a hub of activity with axe throwing, duck-pin bowling and virtual reality in addition to the typical bar games of pool, darts and arcade games.
The Fort, 109 W. Seventh, will open on Wednesday. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily with the kitchen open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.
"It's basically more of an activity bar," owner Wes Rathbun said. "We wanted to get you up and doing stuff instead of just the usual sit around."
Duck-pin bowling uses smaller balls and pins. The bar has four lanes for that. The bar also has four pods for virtual reality with a variety of games, as well as four lanes of axe throwing.
The axe throwing area is caged, but spectators can sit on a bar rail outside of the cage and watch. Projectors cast images of targets on the walls. Real axes are used.
Another unique feature of the bar is a 30-tap, self-pour beer system. The user puts money on an RFDI scannable card, similar to a hotel key. When they receive the card, they're also carded.
The user then scans the card to access the beer. The card charges by the ounce, so you can buy a pint at a time or assemble yourself a flight, Rathbun said.
The Fort's self-pour system is only one of three in the state, Rathbun said.
Although Rathbun noted the bar will be fully staffed, so you don't have to pour your own drinks if you don't want to.
In addition to beer, The Fort will have a full bar and Rathbun hopes to offer signature cocktails in the future.
The Fort will have a limited menu, but Rathbun said the offerings proved popular in its soft opening. Some of the menu items include Detriot-style deep-dish pizza, burgers and giant nachos.
"We aren't trying to be a big restaurant or have 20 burgers like the [Golden] Q. It's a lot more specialized," he said.
The Fort is located in the former longtime location of the Wild Rose bar. Rathbun said he completely gutted and renovated the inside of the facility.
"If you were ever in here, it doesn't look anything the same," he said.
The upstairs has been opened with additional seating, games and restrooms.
Many local visitors and residents have already enjoyed the mural on the south side of the building, which includes selfie opportunities. Inside, you can take a photo with the axe throne, which was custom made locally for the bar.
Future expansion is on tap for the building. A private party room in the front of the building is yet to be remodeled. Rathbun is also planning to begin a remodel of the patio in January.
The bar's indoor capacity is 334 people. The new bar expects to employ about 22 people.
Rathbun said he hopes the new bar will draw more people downtown and off of the interstate, people he said he hopes will also eat and shop at other businesses on the Bricks.