“It’s not going to be in a wooden box,” said McKenzie. “There will be those elements. We’ll have bourbon barrels and things like that. But it will be more upscale. It’s a clean and modernized version of a country bar.”

McKenzie said he's most excited about the possibilities of the two-level patio.

"There's nothing like that in all of Waterloo," he said.

Once the dinner service is done, the restaurant will quickly transition from restaurant to bar, likely attracting droves of students. Since Kitchener’s Stampede Corral closed down earlier this year, that leaves Dallas Nightclub as the only country-oriented location in the area. The drink menu includes 30 different bourbon drinks, infused with different flavours. It will also include a fully-stocked bar of other drinks.

Since the 6,500 square feet will allow for it, McKenzie said he plans on building a stage big enough to fit a five-piece band. The current plan is to have live music four nights a week, from 7 to 11 p.m., before a DJ takes over for the remainder of the night.

Kentucky will be McKenzie’s second restaurant and he has a third, Lotus Lounge Sushi and Spirits, at the former Uptown Woods, will open shortly.

Kentucky Bourbon & Chicken is still in the site plan process, but once city approval is granted, McKenzie said he’d be able to get the restaurant and bar done and ready in about a month.

@KentuckyWaterloo