When Jefferson City businesses were displaced from the Downtown Mall this summer, one business owner decided to change directions and took the opportunity to open up a bar - something she's always wanted to do.
Katherine Wakefield, former co-owner of Backstage Barbers, partnered together with Dino Cubilla, owner of Hoxton Tavern and Grill, to open Kat-A-Tonic. The new bar opened in early September at 1102 Missouri Blvd., former home to Budweiser Inn.
The building briefly housed Kate & Ally's After Dark last winter. Wakefield said she saw the potential in the location while bartending there, and had the opportunity to open her own bar this fall.
"It's a new adventure for me," Wakefield said.
The new business owners did some remodeling, including lowering the bar, and adding more pool tables. The bar and venue has a large dance floor, four pool tables and is all about the music, Wakefield said. Sounds of karaoke ring out on Wednesday, Thursday nights feature a DJ, and live bands entertain on Friday and Saturday nights.
A pool league will start this Monday, and one team will get a hand from Wakefield herself. In the future, Wakefield hopes to bring other entertainment to Kat-A-Tonic, including comedy nights and special dances.
The new bar has seen a lot of support already, Wakefield said. "It landed in my lap, and I took the opportunity."
The bar has 15 beers on tap, all your basic domestic beers and several Mexican imports, as well as cocktails and mixed drinks. The bar boasts a pretty mean margarita and has a wine selection as well. The bar is not serving any food, but customers are welcome to bring their own in. Customers can come out on Monday through Saturday starting at 3 p.m. The business has its Sunday license and will be open for special occasions, such as the Super Bowl. Check out events and specials on the Kat-A-Tonic Facebook page.
Wakefield continues to work part time at the salon, while also running Kat-A-Tonic.