Dempsey’s acquires space from Studio 222 by Chris Hennen | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | Culture |

Expansion will include new stage area downstairs

As they approached their 10th anniversary in March, Dempsey’s Public House owner Bert Myers wanted to do something with that bar to keep things fresh and deal with rising competition in downtown Fargo. About the time those thoughts were arising, they were approached by the owners of Studio 222 about renting the space and using it for an expansion. To them, it seemed like a perfect match.

“We’ve always kind of thought it would be great to have the spot to open the bar up so we can start doing private parties and stuff like that. They just asked us and the timing was right on and let’s like hell let’s do it,” Myers told HPR. “We’re taking out a 21 foot section of the wall and it will be an opening and step down into there. It will be a big wide opening so it will be integrated into Dempsey’s.”

Gaming will move to the current stage area in the back of Dempsey’s with added black jack tables and and pig wheel. Live music downstairs will move to the Studio 222 stage which be viewable from the back area of Dempsey’s and piped throughout the whole bar downstairs. Studio 222 will be renovated and a state-of-the-art sound and lights system will be added. They are also taking this time to update the sound system upstairs at the Aquarium, about the only thing that will change up there.

“You will be able to hear the bands still in Dempsey’s no matter where you sit and depending on where you are at, still see them from most areas towards the back. We’re trying to make it so it will be accessible and then it will be piped in. We want it to be so it’s integrated into our place so it keeps the feel of live music in our place,” Myers said.

Dempsey’s will also try to rent the space for private parties on off nights. It will add capacity for about 30 people only because some tables and booths near the back will need to be removed for the expansion. They are hoping the project will be finished by late January. The next step in the process is to apply for building permits.

“This is fairly a simple project, it’s a real simple remodel in there. Because it’s all set up already, electrical and everything is there. The only major deal is the hole in the wall, all the steel work and structural work we got to do for that. Once that’s done, it will be smooth sailing. We’re going to soundproof that room so the sound quality should be awesome in there,” Myers replied.

Myers is hoping the new look will help the bar stay ahead of the game. More bars and restaurants are opening all the time in downtown Fargo and several bars have remodeled or expanded.

“Basically the opportunity arose and we just took advantage of it, we figured what the hell. Let’s try it. And it does freshen it up a bit, kind of a new look with all this competition coming downtown but we’re really not worried about that,” Myers said.