Pepper’s Restaurant is expanding in the wake of liquor
by the drink passing in Boone.
The restaurant, owned by Jack and Lisa Pepper, has been in operation
in Boone for 33 years, 13 of which have been in the Shoppes at
Shadowline location.
“We’ve needed more space for a while,” Jack Pepper
said. “The passage of liquor by the drink seemed like the
perfect time to expand.”
Restaurateur Jack Pepper
oversees the construction of the new bar addition. Photo
by Melanie Davis
He has signed a lease for an addition 1,200 square feet that had
been occupied by RE/MAX Realty. The realty company had downsized
its office space, and Pepper signed the lease and began renovations
on Oct. 1. The new area will be a bar with additional restaurant
seating.
The original layout in the Shadowline space was designed with
future expansion in mind. The new area will separated by a wall
with two doorway entrances, one in the rear for servers and one
from the front entrance area for patrons entering the business.
“We have always considered ourselves to be a family restaurant,”
Pepper said. “We want to maintain that atmosphere.”
Pepper said the bar will serve as a waiting area during busy times,
however, he plans to maintain a waiting area on the restaurant
side for patrons who do not wish to wait in the bar.
“It won’t a late-night bar.” Pepper said. “The
hours will be the same as the restaurant, unless a ballgame runs
late. We’ll stay open for those wishing to watch, but will
stop serving food.”
The new addition will be in the same style as the restaurant,
with barn-wood and poplar bark siding. The area will feature wide
screen televisions and a stage for light entertainment. Pepper
referred to the bar as a re-invention of the restaurant. He hopes
to increase evening business, when customers have more time to
relax.
Peppers starting serving mixed drinks approximately three weeks
ago with a limited menu. More selections will be added at the
bar’s opening. A bar manager has been hired. Pepper said
the new employee, he did not wish to release the name at this
time, has 15 years experience and is confident the new manager
will create the respectable atmosphere Pepper is seeking.
The seating capacity is not the only expansion in store for the
restaurant. Pepper will also be expanding the menu. A bar menu
of appetizer-style food will be added. The evening menu will also
be redesigned to include seafood and pasta choices.
The staff will also be growing. Pepper said additional servers,
cooks and bartenders will be added. “I hope this will be
positive for the community, as well as the restaurant,” he
said.
Pepper has incorporated the business community into the design
phase by purchasing the televisions and furniture locally. Pepper
also hired local contractors to complete the renovation work.
The lease on the new Shadowline space was signed for a 25 year
period. “We are in it for the long run,” he said.
The restaurant will continue, likely under a new Pepper manager.
Pepper’s son, Josh, is currently enrolled in the culinary
program at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute.
Josh Pepper is also working closely with his father at Pepper’s
to learn the day-to-day operation.
“It is our hope that Josh will take over in a couple years
and continue the operation of Pepper’s Restaurant,”
Pepper said.
The additional is tentatively scheduled to open on Nov. 20. Peppers
Restaurant is located at 240 Shadowline Drive in Boone. The hours
of operation are Sunday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information call (828) 262-1250, or
visit www.peppers-restaurant.com.
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