A new bar, Bobcatz, opened Jan. 12 at 14 Station St., bringing a game-centered nightlife option to Athens for students and local residents seeking an alternative to Court Street bars.
The business, which replaced Athens Uncorked, features a brightly lit main floor with a wall-to-wall bar. A small stage on the left side of the space is designed for live music performances and dancing, while an upstairs balcony overlooks the main floor and includes multiple dartboards.
Unlike many Athens bars that rely primarily on DJ playlists or live music, Bobcatz allows customers to play their own music.
Daniel Flack, the president of operations, said Bobcatz has brought in a “captive audience," from residents to students looking for a new go-to spot.
“We don’t aim or cater to any particular position or situation," Fleck said. “So far it's all mixed.”
Flack said business has steadily increased since Bobcatz opened, with new customers arriving daily.
“There are new faces every day,” Flack said. “If all the different faces keep showing up at the same time, then it’ll be as we hope.”
Bobcatz plans to expand its entertainment offerings, including hosting live music performances and dart tournaments on the upstairs balcony. Flack said the bar also hopes to introduce karaoke, trivia nights and bands once the business is fully staffed.
Located farther from campus and popular nightlife spots than many Athens bars, Bobcatz’s location on Station Street presents both challenges and opportunities. Flack said he does not see the distance as an issue.
“I don’t think it’s going to be a problem,” Flack said. “Bobcatz will be what it is, and the people who like it here will come. People are coming here because they don't want to go to the top of the hill.”
Bree Dickson, a bartender at Bobcatz, said her main goal is to give customers a reason to close it.
“I want it to be special,” Dickson said. “Since we are kind of the farthest bar now, at this point, I feel like we should have something different and be special, so people aren't just making their way just for another bar.”
Bobcatz has begun building its drink menu while continuing to settle into the space. Current offerings include signature drinks such as the Cherry Cola Spritzer, Lemonade Spritzer and the Bobcatz Shot, which is citrus vodka, white rum and sweet and sour mix. Flack said the bar is open to accommodating customer preferences.
“You can have pretty much what you want, and if it has something we don’t have, we’ll try to get it,” Flack said.
The business plans to sell food and further expand its drink menu, though no timeline has been set.
Although Athens is widely known for its nightlife and drinking culture, Bobcatz has also drawn interest from students who do not drink.
Elizabeth Katona, a freshman studying psychology, said she thinks Bobcatz is a great opportunity for students like her who do not drink.
"I think it's a good addition because it doesn't seem like it's just like your typical bar,” Katona bar.
Dickson said she hopes to maintain the relaxed environment the bar has established.
As Bobcatz continues to establish itself, staff members say they are focused on building a consistent customer base.
“I’m excited to see where it goes. I’m excited to see what crowd we establish, and I’m excited to see all the regulars that are going to start coming in,” Dickson said.
