Bar 202 will be going through some noticeable changes in the coming months.
The business has already implemented several changes including the addition of live music and recently, comedy entertainment.
One of the possibilities of the rebranding process may be a physical move to a different location. Bar 202 co-owner Scotty Keeton, confirmed that a move was a “big consideration,” and a move to a space downtown could be a possibility.
“If there were a move, we would like the move to be within walking distance of the campus for students’ safety after they or may not consume an alcoholic beverage,” said Keeton.
The bar is owned by both Keeton and his partner David Carmichael, who also owns Main Street Lanes. The two partners purchased the bar in 2010, and opened around January 2011, according to Keeton.
The bar is currently situated in the bottom portion of the Weyanoke, which currently houses residents in the top floors. After the current leases end, the Weyanoke will cease to lease to residents in order to prepare and begin construction on the building for a renovation into a hotel once again.
Keeton stated that he was currently “unable to comment on” whether or not the building’s change into a hotel had any influence into the possibility of the bar’s move.
When asked about further details into a possible move, Keeton stated that he was not at liberty to discuss any further details due to reasons he also couldn’t discuss.
“Business is a touchy game where if you talk too much about what you’re planning on, people either get wrong ideas, hate the ideas or completely discount them because they don’t think it can work because they don’t have the overall vision. So, we’re just not in a spot where we’re ready to disclose that yet,” said Joel Cruz, the marketing manager for Bar 202.
Keeton said he has spoken with someone on campus who said that they would like to see a college spot out of the bar.
“I think the vision that the campus has is more of a sports bar theme than what we have here,” said Keeton.
Although Keeton has considered the idea, he stated that he didn’t see a sports bar to be entirely successful in Farmville.
“We are in the middle of a rebranding process right now. We’re trying to play with the growth of the school and their master plan. So, we’re looking into new fresh ideas for a college bar. So, we’re really excited for the future. Like I said, it’s more of a rebranding process than anything else. Kind of looking for new locations right now possibly, but we’re honestly open to anything at this point. We’re just really passionate about serving this college crowd here, so that’s our main concern. So, we’re just looking at what’s going to be the best for the people here,” said Cruz.
