Piano Bar planned for South Avenue

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Ernie Biggs plans to make some noise on South Avenue. |ret||ret||tab|

Ernie Biggs is a piano bar set to open in September at 312 South Avenue in downtown Springfield's nightlife district. As dueling pianists provide the sounds and entertainment this fall, the piano bar's developers hopes to strike a chord with Springfield club goers.|ret||ret||tab|

Ernie Biggs is owned by five Arkansas entrepreneurs who operate a piano bar of the same name in Little Rock. They say it's no accident that Springfield was selected as the second location: they noticed downtown's resurgence and historical preservation.|ret||ret||tab|

"We really like Springfield. We didn't pick this place by accident," said co-owner Daniel Bryant, adding that he likes the "return-to-the-downtown mentality."|ret||ret||tab|

The ownership group Bryant, Jay Hickman, Matt Christie and father-and-son team Jim and Jody Thornton opened Ernie Biggs-Little Rock in May, and they say the reception has been great. Weekend nights draw as many as 600 people, according to Bryant. They are hoping a busy night will bring about 500 through Ernie Biggs-Springfield's doors.|ret||ret||tab|

Springfield's Downtown Dining and Entertainment Commission was elated to hear of the plans.|ret||ret||tab|

"I'll be the first one in line," said DDEC Director Matthew Miller. "I think it will be fun. It's the kind of fresh ideas we need downtown."|ret||ret||tab|

It's also another needed investment downtown, he said. The developers plan to spend $500,000 to $750,000 to create a 1920s Chicago speakeasy atmosphere. They're beginning to gut the former Colorspace building, which they're leasing from Guy Mace. Butler, Rosenbury & Partners architect Brenda Clutter is designing the piano bar.|ret||ret||tab|

"We like the area for its architecture," Bryant said. "We feel like our building will complement the others."|ret||ret||tab|

They especially took notice of Scott Tillman's work on the historic Mansfield Opera House directly across the street, and originally wanted to lease space there. But Tillman has pledged that bars would not be tenants in his building. He wants retail and office tenants.|ret||ret||tab|

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Entertainment|ret||ret||tab|

Two baby grand pianos will share center stage at Ernie Biggs, but it's the interaction between the pianists and audience members that serves as the entertainment, the owners say.|ret||ret||tab|

The piano players perform song requests written on napkins. There also will be a drum set and occasional horns. |ret||ret||tab|

"It's a sing-along; everybody can participate," said co-owner Jody Thornton, who also owns a bar and grill in Fayetteville, Ark., called Grub's. "If you make the request, they'll sing anything that you want, from something new on the radio to the Righteous Brothers."|ret||ret||tab|

The group has a circuit of about a dozen piano players that they'll fly in for the interactive performances Thursday through Saturday nights. Co-owner Hickman said the players have 10 to 15 years experience.|ret||ret||tab|

"We're striking while the iron's hot," Bryant said of Ernie Biggs' successive openings. Bryant said a third location, also in Missouri, is planned.|ret||ret||tab|

Ernie Biggs will have a $5 cover charge for men. Ladies get in free.|ret||ret||tab|

Bryant is confident the piano bar will succeed here based on the positive response in Little Rock. Both cities have similar demographics, he said. The target audience is 25- to 55-year-olds. |ret||ret||tab|

Thornton said the length of Ernie Biggs' Springfield lease is up to 12 years.|ret||ret||tab|

"We plan on being here for a while," said Chris Reno, who will serve as on-site manager.|ret||ret||tab|

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