The owners of Haffy’s in Downtown Poplar Bluff are planning to add a second establishment to the historic area.
A different type of bar is planned for 309 S. Broadway, which has been vacant for several years.
Larry and Lisa Hafford have applied for a permit to sell alcohol by the drink at the location, according to a measure discussed Tuesday by the Poplar Bluff City Council. The item is expected to be voted on at the Sept. 20 council meeting.
The location would be outside of the current entertainment district that allows open cups of alcohol to be carried between businesses, City Planner James Sisk said in response to questions from council.
The Haffords plan to add at least three staff members to run the establishment, according to city council documents.
“This will be a small establishment with likely only a jukebox, so there won’t be loud band noise,” the Haffords said in an application reviewed by the planning & zoning commission.
Pool tables from Haffy’s would be relocated to the new business, which would allow the vacated space at Haffy’s to be used for other unique business opportunities, they said.
The Haffords believe separating some elements of Haffy’s to a new location will allow both locations to grow and serve clientele who are seeking different experiences.
“The building in question has been sitting vacant for quite a while,” they told P&Z. “We would love to see more of the vacated buildings in our downtown be purchased and opened by citizens of our community...”
The building is expected to undergo renovations before the business opens, Sisk said.
City Manager Matt Winters praised the recent announcements for downtown, which also include the purchase of a building to be used by Poplar Bluff schools, as well as a new skate shop and combined entertainment venue.
The council also approved a separate request to sell alcohol by the drink at 413 Vine St., which the owners plan to use for a skate shop on the main floor and an entertainment venue for music and other acts on the upper floor.
In other business, the council discussed two grant applications.
The council is seeking a Community Block Development Grant for the replacement of a horizontal baler at Ozark Foothills Recycling Center. The funds would pass through the city, said Winters, but there would be no cost to the city for the approximately $100,000 project.
The city is also seeking a Missouri Department of Natural Resources grant to replace a truck motor in a street department vehicle.
Mayor Steve Davis recognized council member Barbara Ann Horton at the beginning of the meeting. Horton, who is an employee of the Daily American Republic, celebrated her 50th year in journalism Tuesday.
“The mayor and the city council are justly proud of Barbara Horton for her dedication, commitment, fair reporting for the city of Poplar Bluff and the community,” Davis said in reading a proclamation honoring Horton.