Hickory Creek BBQ is in the process of creating a college student’s utopia with the addition of the final ‘b’ in the late-night hot spot’s triangular guide to success: ball, barbecue and now, booze.
Ric Gere, Hickory Creek BBQ owner, said he obtained his liquor license a few weeks ago and started serving beer the weekend before Halloween – the night of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority barn party.
“I’m excited,” he said. “If anybody wants to come in for any reason, we definitely want to be the hot spot to go out. We’re at a good location in downtown for students to go out in the evenings and have a good time.”
Gere said he believes Hickory Creek’s new bar status will help bring students to the downtown community because its location is within walking distance of most residences.
“I personally think (Hickory Creek) will grab a giant crowd,” senior Luke Cavlovich said. “They have plasmas for sports games, and it’s something new. Any time there’s something new, everyone’s always interested.”
Hickory Creek bartender Davy Phillips thinks the interest is justified as the restaurant is making several aesthetic changes in addition to serving malt liquor. Construction projects already are in progress to create a stage for live music and a raised platform that will extend and split the bar into two sectors.
“It’s a smoke-free environment, which will appeal to a lot of students,” Phillips said. “If the drink prices stay reasonable, I definitely think it will be a good opportunity for students. It’s very exciting to have a new bar in town.”
Plans also are underway to add another pool table and several dart boards on the other side of the building for restaurant-goers’ enjoyment.
“The changes will make everything flow better instead of being one big expanse room,” Gere said.
In order to stay at its downtown location, Gere said the bar must maintain restaurant status. This means food sales must make up 50 percent of its total profit.
Liquor license stipulations also allow the bar to be open until 2 a.m., as with every other Kansas establishment capable of serving mixed drinks.
“Keep in mind that everyone loves The (Salt) Mine,” Cavlovich said. “But I think people will certainly come out. (Hickory Creek) has good food, too. The Mine will have to share its business.”
For now, Gere said he still has several projects in the queue to be completed before Hickory Creek fulfills his vision.
“The first thing we’re getting is a walk-in cooler that we have ordered,” he said. “Right now we just have a single tap, but the cooler will allow for more keg beer. It’s a busy time, so we are continuing what we can when we can.”
