The story of how Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar came to Poplar Bluff started more than a decade ago when David Vernon headed off to college in Springfield.
“While living in Springfield, I was a frequent customer at multiple Big Whiskey locations in the area,” said Vernon, who co-owns the new Poplar Bluff restaurant with Zach Bacon and Jacob Lorenzana. “I fell in love with the food and atmosphere.”
Vernon said he was inspired by the story of Big Whiskey’s beginnings.
“As the story is told by the founder Paul Sundy, there was a man who came to be known as ‘Big Whiskey’ … who only came into a small pub owned by Paul’s grandfather a few times a week,” Vernon said. “He would belly up to the bar and say, ‘I’m only going to have one, so make it a big one.’”
Big Whiskey’s had its grand opening Friday and is the first of three new restaurants to debut on Oak Grove Road. So far, the new restaurant has generated much positive buzz.
“Service and food was top-notch tonight during the soft opening,” Poplar Bluff resident Sarah McElhaney posted on Facebook last Friday.
Vernon said he always thought Big Whiskey’s would be an “amazing addition” to Poplar Bluff. And a decade after his college days, Vernon, Bacon and Lorenzana have done that.
“My 10-year dream has become a reality,” Vernon said. “We have been working hard to give our community an awesome grand opening. We are so grateful to our amazing teammates, who have been training alongside the best training team I have ever seen. … We are so excited to bring a fun, family-friendly restaurant to our community. I can’t wait for everyone to check it out.”
Big Whiskey’s currently has 14 locations, most in Missouri, with a 15th location coming to Florida. There are also two locations in northwest Arkansas, one in Tulsa, Oklahoma and another in Hoover, Alabama.
However, Big Whiskey’s isn’t the only restaurant headed to Oak Grove Road. Watami Sushi & Hibachi Steakhouse is currently under construction on the south side of Oak Grove Road east of Walmart Neighborhood Market.
Watami owner Sam Zhang said Wednesday he expects his restaurant to be open in January or February 2024.
“Opportunity brought me there,” Zhang said. “I see Poplar Bluff growing and I can’t wait to get open. We (are trying) to get done ASAP.”
Zhang currently owns the Watami Sushi & Hibachi Steakhouse in Cape Girardeau. The Cape Girardeau restaurant offers sushi, hot and cold appetizers, soups, salads and hibachi items.
“A lot of customers of Watami (in Cape Girardeau) from Poplar Bluff want me open one of there,” Zhang said.
Also coming to Poplar Bluff is Soku, which will be located at the southeast corner of Oak Grove and Shelby roads. Soku is reportedly owned by the owners of Fuji Japanese Cuisine, which is located in Poplar Bluff’s Mansion Mall.