Match’s Cigar Bar at 147 E. Main St. in New Albany will soon be a new bourbon bar and lounge called Double Barrel, owned by Michelle Ray and Courtney Cain. The two women will hire five new staff members in addition to keeping the current staff from their mobile bartending business “Naked by Sunday,” which they started last year to fill in at events. As required in Indiana, the brick and mortar building will allow their mobile bartending services to offer cash and open bars at events like weddings. They plan to open the brick and mortar by the end of March.
“We are super excited,” Ray said. “The buzz we’ve been getting is fantastic. The absolute latest we’ll open — and that’s if something drastic and unexpected happens — is April 13.”
Before they open, the bar will be getting a face lift. In addition to some decor changes, they knocked down a wall this week to allow bartenders to go back and forth between two different areas of the bar. They will also be changing some of the beers on tap and bourbon being served. If they can get the carry out liquor license they applied for, the humidor will be where they keep the carry out beer and wine. However, perhaps the biggest difference with their changes will be the cessation of indoor smoking, which was a big attraction for many at Match.
“I know a lot of people are sad to see Match go, and I get that,” said Ray. “If we’re in there doing something to get ready for opening and someone comes in for Match, we direct them to the Jeffersonville location. We want to make sure they know they’re not completely gone.”
Although the two partners are working on utilizing the neighboring Roadrunner Kitchen — which opened last week — for food service, they want this to be a high-end lounge where you can relax and enjoy your cocktails. Hours will be Wednesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight.
“We wanna’ be your dinner mint,” she said. “ Once you’ve had your nice dinner and you’re still up for a few drinks and want to continue your evening — we really want to be that place you continue your evening with.”
