Whiskey Barrel opening this weekend

By ADAM DRAPCHO, LACONIA DAILY SUN

LACONIA — Another formerly vacant storefront in downtown Laconia is being revitalized this weekend, as the space at 546 Main St., most recently the home of the Funky Monkey, has now become the Whiskey Barrel, a country-flavored nightspot. The bar is holding its grand opening this weekend, with live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, and a Super Bowl party on Sunday.

The Whiskey Barrel is fashioned after a bar of the same name in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Bernie Goulet, owner of both locations, said that the owner of the Laconia Whiskey Barrel will be managed by his partner, Matt Menengas.

The first bands to perform locally will be some of the best-known local country bands, such as the Eric Grant Band on Friday night.

"Eric is one of the rising country bands, he always brings a big crowd down. He's got a lot of intensity and energy, I think he'll be a great opening band," said Goulet. Jodie Cunningham, another New Hampshire-grown talent, will perform on Saturday night. Both shows are expected to start a little after 8 p.m., he said. On Sunday, during the Super Bowl party, the Whiskey Barrel will have a live DJ playing songs.

While later acts will carry a cover charge, Goulet said that there will be no cover to attend the opening weekend.

"We want people to come down and see what we've done," he said.

Goulet said Thursday that he had been waiting to confirm the grand opening until he received his liquor license, which he finally secured on Wednesday. The Whiskey Barrel, fashioned after a nightclub of the same name in Haverhill, Massachusetts, will begin serving casual American food in about a month, and a special, temporary liquor license was necessary to allow the business to serve only drinks in the mean time.

"We suggest people go downtown, get a bite to eat, and then come down and see some great entertainment," said Goulet.