Changes are coming to some existing bars/restaurants in Chattanooga. Oddstory Brewing will remain in space on East MLK it occupied for the last five and a half years. At the same time, it will open a new location at 1604 Central Ave. that is larger and has space for outdoor service plus a larger brewing area. The new location will have a capacity of 261, up from an occupancy level of 99 at the old location. Another change is that the new location will be kid friendly and will have a full kitchen.
Keeping people safe has been in the forefront of plans, said owner Jay Boyd, with six cameras covering all the spaces the bar is responsible for both inside and out. There also will be fire monitoring devices with alarms.
Michael and Susanne Hardin and two other partners have bought the old Westbound bar at 24 Station St. at the Chattanooga Choo Choo and renamed it Westbound Honky-Tonk. They all have worked at the original bar since it opened. Mr. Harden said everything will just be rolling over and they will carry on the same as it was in the past, including the same staff. They said the staff is well trained and have all been employed there for at least three years. Any new servers will be required to have a TABC license from the state for serving both beer and alcohol. The patio area will be fenced off so the management can more easily be responsible for that space outside. And secret shoppers will be used to test the servers. Concerning the recent problems on Station Street, Mr. Hardin said that he does not think his bar was the problem.
Exile off Main, 1634 Rossville Blvd., also has new owners. The group who bought Exile also owns and runs No Hard Feelings on Broad Street. Scott Dolan told the beer board that there have been physical improvements made to the building and that security has been upped. The small bar has an inside capacity of just 14 but can seat 43 outdoors in the renovated courtyard.