Thursday, February 5, 2009

Update on Press Box

The new owners of The Press Box tell me they plan to gut the building and turn it into a sleek gastro pub with a rustic feel.

“We're adding hardwood floors, all new booths, updated flatscreens and an antique bar,” Tom Wicker said this week.

Wicker and his stepson Britton McCorkle are no strangers to Charlotte's nightlife scene. Wicker has had a hand in more than 35 venues around Charlotte, including the French Quarter and Yellow Rose Tavern, while McCorkle used to own Vinnie's Raw Bar.

Wicker and McCorkle bought The Press Box – which they're planning to rename Brazwell's – because of its location on Montford Drive, which turns into a bustling entertainment district on the weekends.

And longtime fans of the bar can rest assured that the new owners will be keeping its famous patio.

Wicker says he plans to open Brazwell's doors in six to eight weeks.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Can they make it non-smoking? Then I might stop in. I figure the Press Box closed because all the regulars died of lung cancer.

Anonymous said...

Are they gonna keep the Camel Rider on the menu or is this just going to be another wing and beer joint??

Anonymous said...

Its scum like you that killed the press box not the smoking. The yuppies are moving to Montford drive and making it the new uptown. The death of the press box is another win for the man.

Anonymous said...

sorry to hear this..the camel rider was da bomb!

Anonymous said...

Why is everything in Charlotte going "upscale". Sooner or later there will be no good BARS left to go to.

Anonymous said...

Better yet....why not find you a non-smoking bar and leave the business decisions to the new owners.

Anonymous said...

I agree, smoke free or not for me.

Anonymous said...

Time for great moments in Press Box history........

I loved the time that my buddy bought every jello shot that they had behind the bar. Grand total $17.00.

Add below.

Anonymous said...

Chris H., Just because they are going to renovate, doesn't mean it's going to be "upscale." No offense to the old owners because I really do love the press box, but it was in dire need of an overhaul. I do wish they would keep the name instead of changing it... and hopefully keep the menu basically the same.

Anonymous said...

Good riddance!!!
Now, hoefully, I can sleep without being disturbed by their "music until 2:30 am every single frickin' night!!!

Fool's Brigade said...

"Now, hoefully, I can sleep without being disturbed by their "music until 2:30 am every single frickin' night!!!"

Where do you live, at George Pappas'? Seriously, are there condos or something I don't know about?

Anonymous said...

The new place plans to have "live" entertainment 5 days a week. So if the noise is too much move to Union County or buy some ear plugs. If the music is too loud the police will handle that.

Anonymous said...

Strippers. We need smoking and strippers on poles. Loud music 'till 3AM. Just keep the double dip wings.

Anonymous said...

He must live in a van... down by the Press Box!

I slept in my car at the Press Box once so I can't knock it.

Anonymous said...

I hope they keep up the tradition of live music. We need more outlets for good local talent. The Mathaney burger and round fries were always my favorite.

Anonymous said...

I look forward to playing more of my band's signature brand of face-melting acoustic rock on the back deck when the weather warms up. As long as they will have us. I think we spend more on drinks than we make playing anyways.

Fool's Brigade said...

"I slept in my car at the Press Box once so I can't knock it."

Man alive, I only made it under my car--hats off to you!

Rea Road Neighborhood Coalition said...

Tom Wicker a name you can trace back 100 years in Charlotte - French Quarter, Whatever Happened to Randoplh Scott and St. Louis Spirts were some of the first great food and cold beer places to open in the Latta Arcade - Church Street area in the days before the overstreet mall.

The after 5 crowd was insane! But back then the party ended around 8 as everyone went home.

But the stories that those places could tell.