Anderson Distillery and Grill, a concept where craft spirits are made smooth by hand, will have its grand opening in January 2022.
The small, locally-owned business is coming to 400 S Oak St, occupying suite 100.
“Two men had a dream to create an amazing grill and distillery,” a statement on the brand’s website reads. “Utilizing our experience (and amazing seasoning), we’ve embarked on a journey to open a restaurant with meals and drinks to keep you coming back for more.”
With a focus on small batch spirits utilizing Texas-sourced products, Anderson Distillery will specialize in rum, vodka, gin, whiskey, and will later produce bourbon and flavored liqueurs.
As far as the menu goes, guests can expect various grilled meats with coffee-infused seasoning, sliders, salads, and loaded potatoes, as well as the “World’s Ugliest Breakfast” – an egg-based skillet creation that will be served all day long.
The coffee-infused seasoning is called Joe’s Rub and combines fresh ground coffee with pepper, brown sugar and spices. It is currently sold online.
With an industrial garage bar atmosphere, Anderson Distillery will have glass walls to display impressive 125-gallon and 26-gallon column stills with other distillery equipment; live edge bars, including a main bar with hand-painted panels above the bar depicting the distillery process; hand-made dining table tops using wood sourced from demolition projects in Texas from homes built in the 1930s; hammered copper light fixtures; Edison bulb pendants; black pipe shelving; and stained concrete floors.
It will also incorporate a playful element with a false door. This will be a tribute to Roanoke’s historic 1886 Silver Spur Saloon which reportedly also operated as a brothel. The two-story building beside the saloon housed a bank and had a connecting door between the two buildings. Patrons could enter through the bank, go up the stairs, and pass through the door to enter the brothel on the other side – or so local legend says.
While Anderson’s door won’t lead to any brothels, it will lead to “something to make you laugh on the other side!” We can’t wait to see what that something is once it opens.
A shuffleboard area for guests to game, old family photos of the owner’s moonshine-running ancestors, and live music from local entertainers will also be featured.
“We are excited to turn our passion for craft distilling and cooking specially-seasoned meats into a reality,” co-owner Jay Anderson said in a statement. “We aim to give our guests an inside look at the unique distilling process, offer exciting liquor tasting opportunities, delicious menu items, and a casual and cool environment.”
