At Phibbs Bar and Grill, where the motto is "Eat, Drink Local," a handpainted American flag now serves as a patriotic backdrop. Pictured playing is Eric Garmany.Local benefit
Phibbs Bar and Grill is hosting a benefit for Walker County cancer survivor Denise Clopton on Oct. 14. Barbecue plates and soft drinks will be sold to raise funds. Donations of soft drinks are needed.Modern Woodmen agent Shane Catlett plans to match up to $1,000 to help out, and Clopton said she plans to make a donation from the funds raised in her honor to the practice of Dr. Stephen Depasquale, part of the Women’s Oncology Group of Chattanooga.
With protests regarding the American flag sweeping the national stage, one local business owner decided to pay tribute to the stars and stripes when renovating his Rock Spring establishment.
A 20-by-15-foot re-creation was given a prominent place in the restaurant which also serves as a music venue and general all-around hangout. It towers above the stage below where local musicians perform.
"Putting the flag on the wall is something I felt needed to be done," said owner Jason Phibbs. "With people disrespecting the flag and what America is about I could just see a flag as the backdrop. My father-in-law Todd Love painted the flag."
While the flag is a focal point, greeting customers as they walk in, there are other additions that promise to enhance the customer experience.
Phibbs said he added pool tables because many of his regular customers kept requesting pool tables, so he opted to remove the second bar area in the back to make room for them, and to concentrate on the main bar located at the front.
"We wanted to make the front bar a focal point," he said.
The back room where the two pool tables are located was renovated to feel like a sports bar, featuring plenty of TVs to showcase football games.
"We bit the bullet this time with football season coming up," said Phibbs, who worked with his family in early September to complete the renovations in just seven days' time, recognizing the draw of football season. "We put most of all the TVs in the back. We want the front to be for music with low lights and the back is more sporty with pool tables. We have a few tables in the back to watch sports and will add a few more."
There is also a back patio where people can relax or play cornhole.
"We don't get out-of-town, crazy bands or crowds. We are like the hometown 'Cheers' where 'everybody knows your name.' We've got kids in here. It's a special place, really," Phibbs said.
Phibbs Bar and Grill welcomes patrons ranging from age 5 up to 70 on a regular basis, he added.
"A bar is no more different than an Applebee's," said Phibbs.
On Wednesdays, Phibbs offers Dollar Burger Night, Thursdays are 25-Cent Tacos and Karaoke Night, and bands are featured on Fridays and Saturdays.
Coming up Sept. 23 is Adam Hood, of Nashville. LaFayette native singer/guitarist Channing Wilson is set to perform Sept. 30, followed by Small Town Rumor on Oct. 1. Arlo Gilliam will be in concert Oct. 7, and later in the season, the Casey Adams Band will perform Nov. 25.