Century Bar plans to open speakeasy by April '16

A select few of The Century Bar's most loyal patrons, plus members of the Dayton community who knew the secret words needed to gain access, were granted a VIP glimpse of the bar's newest addition this past weekend, which is slated to open to the public in 2016.

Kette's Kandies Spirited Treats, a Prohibition-era speakeasy-themed cocktail bar will open to the public around April 2016, Century Bar co-owner Joseph Head confirmed.

PHOTOS: Toasting the end of Prohibition at Century Bar

"Speakeasies are all over the country," Head said. "We’re not reinventing the wheel, but they’re not here in Dayton," Head said. "We wanted to bring our own speakeasy here to Dayton."

When completed, Kette's will operate in an appoximately 2,000 sq. ft. space, about 600 square feet larger than The Century Bar, according to Head.

One of the biggest differences between The Century Bar and Kette's will be a focus on mixology, versus a menu that specializes in whisky and bourbon, he said. Accordingly, Head said he is recruiting some of the best mixologists from around Dayton to staff his speakeasy.

The decor inside Kette's will feature "repurposed bar wood" and tables and chairs different from that of The Century Bar next door.

Head added that the names of tables at Kette's will honor famous Dayton innovators, including Charles Kettering, John Patterson, Paul Lawerence Dunbar and Ermal Fraze.

“We want it to feel like a 1920s speakeasy," Head said. "Century is a very decadent room, and so we want this to feel like a hidden, off-shoot of The Century Bar."

And if you're looking to grab a seat inside Kette's, your name will have to be on the list. Head said Kette's Kandies will operate on a reservation-only basis during the early stages. He added that a hand-crank phone will be installed, allowing Century Bar bartenders to call over to the speakeasy and check on availability.

"We want it to feel like you’re stepping back in time," Head said.

Head said he plans on having jazz bands perform on the weekends, and noted that while period-specific dress is not required, a dress code will be enforced for the speakeasy.

"You certainly won’t be able to wear a baseball cap, or a jersey or jeans," he said.

For more info, check out The Century Bar's Facebook page or call (937) 223-3382.

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