In true island style, Paul and Wendy Hamilton, owners of Rhone Rum Bar, part of the complex of eateries and event spaces they own along Chouteau Avenue, have decided to go with the flow.
The Caribbean-themed restaurant and bar features a beachy vibe (including poster-size postcards of British Virgin Island beaches, a sand volleyball court, and 101 bottles of rum on the wall) and respective casual fare, such as conch fritters, ceviche, and island-style hand pies.
When Rhone opened almost a year ago, it found an early niche hosting casual, island-themed events and attracted groups seeking same.
“For some reason, happy hour took off, too,” says Paul. “People were making reservations in parties of 15 to 20, and we were able accommodate several of them at a time. Happy hour became this giant party.”
Everyday business remained solid through the summer months, Paul reports, but started to tail off the moment it cooled off (exactly the opposite of what the casual observer might expect). “But private events, complete buy-outs, and happy hours remained strong,” says Paul. "So if that’s where the demand was, then that should be the direction going forward. We can also rent out the upper floor, which wouldn't have been possible before."
Rhone Rum Bar will remain open for regular hours through next Saturday, October 26. After that time, it will become another event space, one of many in the Hamiltons' arsenal.
“That was our original thought anyway,” says Paul. “Then we thought, ‘What the heck? An island-themed dive bar/restaurant just might work, too.’”
So it’s back to plan A.
The Hamiltons' two busiest rooms for social events are also themed spaces: the brew-pubbish Malt House Cellar and Pop’s Garage, which features a jukebox and retro entertainment such as video games, pinball, and Skee-Ball. Paul expects Rhone to follow suit. “That hang-loose, vacation-y vibe attracts all types,” he says, “from reunions to office parties to team-building events.”
Going forward, Paul says, food options will not be restricted to just island fare: “We can now serve potentially anything from our other venues' menus and beyond. You want to do a pig roast and open up the sand volleyball court? Let’s do it.”
