McMenamins "The Wheel" Rolling Into Downtown
A whimsical small bar...
Downtown is getting another gathering place. Actually, two of them. A write-up on the second one is coming soon.
We all knew McMenamins had taken over the space adjacent to its downtown location. The company has now officially announced plans to open a new small bar called “The Wheel” in the currently vacant space.
While an opening date has not yet been announced, the company said it is awaiting final city permits before welcoming customers.
The announcement came Monday through McMenamins’ social media channels, where the company described The Wheel as “a whimsical small bar.” This makes sense. What does McMenamins’ ever do that isn’t whimsical?
(Photo: McMenamins)
The name draws inspiration from the natural cycle of the seasons, ancient symbolism surrounding fortune and fate, and the Grateful Dead song of the same name.
According to a newly launched page on McMenamins’ website, the bar will continue the company’s tradition of creating intimate gathering spaces. The space will feature stained glass and décor inspired by natural and mythical themes, with the company describing it as a place “modeled after Alpen shacks, secret lairs, and snug refuges where people can gather for a dram, play music, and share ideas in a cozy setting.”
The addition expands McMenamins’ footprint here in town, where the company already operates the downtown Corvallis Pub and McMenamins on Monroe near OSU Campus. The downtown pub itself has been a fixture since 1991 and occupies the former Tower of London restaurant building.
The Tower of London was a longtime Corvallis landmark, serving English-style fish and chips, beer, and pub fare from 1972 until its closure in 1988.
McMenamins also shared several work-in-progress photos of the new space, showing construction well underway. No opening date has been announced.
The website for “The Wheel” can be found here.
This article was written by K. Hewlitt at The Corvallis Inquirer. Feel free to send us your stories or articles to publish at: editor@corvallisnow.com
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