Published: 06:42 PM, Wed Mar 10, 2010
Hail to the ale - ringing in the new
Brian Dukes
Want to find a new restaurant in Fayetteville? Just look for the massive gathering of cars at an unfamiliar place.
The Carolina Ale House, for instance, opened last weekend in the spot formerly held by Tony Roma's. And like a flash mob, there were cars instantly everywhere.
It amuses me how we Fayetteville diners love new places. We can't get enough. If it's new and you can eat there, we'll show up in droves!
A co-worker said she and some friends waited an hour to be seated on opening night at the Ale House, but that the wait was worth it.
Speaking of waiting in long lines, have you been to Huske Hardware House on a Friday or Saturday night recently?
Folks are literally lined up down the block to get in.
I went for New Year's Eve and had to wait about 30 minutes to get in. But I thought that was just a New Year's Eve thing. Wrong!
In a recent effort to curb the crowds, Huske has instituted a $5 cover on Friday and Saturday nights. That move, however, hasn't really thinned the crowds.
You can't blame Huske for trying. I mean, the management is concerned for the safety of patrons. And the extra cash from the cover can't hurt, right?
Conversely, a cover charge can mean one less beer - or no beer at all. Then again, if a cover is going to break the bank, you probably shouldn't be spending money at a bar.
But what do you think?
Is a cover charge a positive step in crowd control, or a royal pain in your wallet?
More importantly, would a cover charge keep you from going out? Post your thoughts at our entertainment blog at Two Chicks, a Guy and a Blog or send me an e-mail.
Staff writer Brian Dukes can be reached at dukesb@fayobserver.com or 486-3523.