Grand opening festivities will begin on October 18 when the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce cuts the ribbon at Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar just blocks away from the Missouri State Capitol. A representative for Big Whiskey’s says the fun will continue all weekend with prizes and giveaways.
The single-location franchise agreement was inked in February with H2B Restaurant Group and partners, father-son duo, Charlie Christiansen Jr., and Charles Jon Christiansen of Jefferson City. The property at 627 W. McCarty Street in Jefferson City, along the western bank of the Missouri River, is well underway in its redevelopment of what was formerly a shoe factory in the early 1900s. The revamped complex, previously called the JCD Building, has been renamed “River Park” and will host retail and office space, in addition to Big Whiskey’s anchoring the development, occupying 20,000-square-feet of the ground floor.
“This has to be one of the coolest buildings since we opened our first store. Been holding this one close to our hearts,” says Paul Sundy, co-founder of the Big Whiskey’s brand and acting senior vice-president of operations.
“Landmark buildings like this one need to be utilized and giving it a new purpose is so good for the community. Big Whiskey’s is a perfect fit for this space, they’re a community-minded company and will be a steward of Jefferson City,” says Big Whiskey’s Jefferson city owner Ryan Bohl.
With roots in Springfield, Missouri, Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar opened its first location in July 2006. Over the years, the restaurant and bar has become many things to many people. It’s a sports bar for sports enthusiasts, a whiskey bar for whiskey devotees and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere for a family night out; a place where traditions are just as important as trends, and where the legend of Big Whiskey lives on.
In addition to a wide-ranging whiskey selection, Big Whiskey’s boasts an extensive menu featuring bold, flavorful plates and great choices for either lunch, dinner, or late-night. Driven by popular demand, Big Whiskey’s also recently launched the addition of a brunch menu, offering up a unique twist on traditional brunch dishes and drinks on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am -2 pm. A rotating seasonal menu compliments the brand’s staple items that include: Buffalo Chicken Wontons, crispy fried wontons filled with Big Whiskey’s Buffalo Chicken Dip; the mouthwatering Big Whiskey BBQ Craft Burger, topped with crispy onion rings, bacon and homemade Honey Whiskey BBQ sauce; and a selection of hand-cut steaks and homemade pasta dishes.
Big Whiskey’s Jefferson City is one of three franchise locations that have been announced to date in 2019. Big Whiskey’s currently operates in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Nevada with additional stores slated to open in Alabama and Oklahoma in 2020
