The founder of a downtown Chattanooga bar that closed after repeated citations from the city’s beer board intends to open a new nightclub about half a mile down the road.
Brian Joyce, the founder and a co-owner of the now-shuttered Blue Light bar on Station Street, aims to open a nightclub and cocktail bar in the old WanderLinger Brewing Co. space on King Street. Chattanooga’s beer board approved Joyce’s application for a beer permit Wednesday. Two of the board’s nine members — Veronica Dunson and Chair James Cole — voted against the application.
The city’s beer board cited the Blue Light bar repeatedly in past years, revoking the bar’s beer permit more than once. Joyce fought a court battle against the city over the permit, though court records show he dropped his complaint in September 2023, weeks after the Tennessee Alcohol Beverage Commission notified the bar’s owners that the Blue Light’s liquor license was closed.
The new business is a venture of Mint Hospitality Group, which filed with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office in August. It will be wholly distinct from the Blue Light, Joyce said. Joyce told members of the board Wednesday that changes include the location, the decor, the types of entertainment to be offered and the food that will be served. Better communication with his new landlords — Urban Story Ventures — relative to the owners of the Blue Light building should also be helpful, he said. He’ll also be the business’ sole owner.