Bourbon Boys to Open Dec. 2

Two college roommates from Virginia have moved here to open Bourbon Boys’ Bar & Grill in Fayetteville’s Laundry Building on West Avenue, a half-block north of Dickson Street.

Brad Murphey and Todd Wilkinson were roommates at James Madison University in Harrisburg, Va. Both of them have roots in the Deep South and a fondness for Jack Daniel’s bourbon.

The two left jobs in the finance sector to open Bourbon Boys’ Catering in Washington, D.C., a year ago. They decided to move to Northwest Arkansas after doing some market research and because Murphey’s wife, Misty, has family in Springdale.

After minor renovations, the 2,900-SF restaurant is slated to open on Dec. 2. The space was previously home to Dadoo’s Pizzeria, which closed on Oct. 29 when John Sisemore sold the business to Murphey and Wilkinson. The new business owners are leasing space in the building. Murphey wouldn’t say how much money they’ve invested in the new venture.

Murphey said the new restaurant will specialize in Southern cuisine, everything from Memphis pulled-pork barbecue to Charleston low-country seafood boil. Their signature sandwich, “The Don,” consists of a hamburger patty, pulled-pork, cheese, barbecue sauce and cole slaw on an onion roll ($11).

They will continue to serve pizza, by the slice or 20-inch pie. Several items on the menu are cooked with bourbon or beer.

The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Murphey and Wilkinson also plan to do catering and delivery. They will hire between 20 and 30 part-time employees.

Renovations include painting and installing seven television sets, including two 42-inch plasma TVs.

Entrée prices range from $6 to $15 for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant will serve beer, wine and mixed drinks.

The restaurant can seat about 100 inside and anther 40 on the patio.