A beloved “fancy dive bar” is set to return this winter, reopening after a hiatus.
June & Co., owned by Peter Froese of Gander and Ryegrass, is set to return at 123 N. Wall St., relocating from its former home at 215 W. Main St. near the restaurant.
“We kind of started out as a staff lounge–a place for us to put our hair down and have some fun. It was a really teeny, tiny spot that had a capacity of 11, including the bartender,” Froese told What Now Seattle.
When the lease fell through, Froese and bartender Alec Reynold paused operations and waited for the right new space to surface.
“An opportunity plopped into our lap. It was pretty much a blank slate. It’s like June & Co. done right. I think we did good, it was a fun place to be but this is an opportunity for us to reset in better parameters,” Froese said.
The reimagined space will channel an upscale dive-bar feel. Froese plans to bring in elements that echo Gander and Ryegrass, from the shelving to the warm wood finishes, creating a room that’s cozy and approachable while still professional.
“When I think of dive bars, somebody’s sitting there having a shot and a beer. We’re just adding a slightly different environment–a little bit more welcoming, homey, and there’s a certain warmth to it,” Froese said.
He continued, “We’re trying to capture those people who are grabbing a drink after work, before dinner and certainly later in the evening. We would love to have Spokane’s restaurant industry drinking at our place.”
June & Co. plans to pour everything from Miller Lite to classic Manhattans to high-end highballs with infused spirits.
“You can have somebody sitting there with a Miller Lite next to somebody who’s got a six or seven component cocktail. I think that’s fun,” Froese said. “I can lean both ways depending on the day and we want to give people the opportunity to do that too.”
The space will focus solely on drinks but will offer a few bar snacks, including Gander and Ryegrass’ smoked nuts and beef sticks. June & Co. sits next to Europa Restaurant and Bakery, and the two are discussing a possible partnership to allow bar patrons to order pizza.
For updates, visit the June & Co. website and follow along on Instagram.
