Changing ‘the vibe,’ new Meridian bar and grill to open where one just closed
A voice familiar to local motorsports fans is preparing to unveil a different type of engine revving up.
Longtime Meridian Speedway announcer Brent Arte expects to celebrate the opening of his new downtown hangout, Pit Stop Sports Bar and Grill, within weeks. “We’re really hoping for first part of March,” said Arte, the bar’s co-owner. “I’d like to be up and running for March Madness.”
Located at 704 N. Main St., Pit Stop will take over where another similarly themed business recently closed: Off the Clock Sports Bar. Like its predecessor, Pit Stop will offer a full liquor bar, cold beer and an arsenal of TVs. But the idea is for this concept to be more than a fresh name and new ownership.
“We’re just going to try and change the vibe a little bit,” Arte said, explaining that Off the Clock “was different. It was kind of your hip-hop, you know, maybe would have worked in downtown Boise. Maybe?
“… We’re just looking for a hometown sports bar vibe. Just have a beer, hang out with your friends and watch football, racing or basketball.”
Leaning into the motorsports theme, Arte would like to dedicate one TV to auto racing at Pit Stop. He envisions it showing replays of Meridian Speedway action immediately after the races Saturday nights.
Bargoers can expect darts, a jukebox, a newly recovered pool table and Idaho lottery machines. And although the space is two levels, all the fun initially will happen in the 150-capacity street-level bar — not downstairs in the basement. The lower level will be utilized later, Arte said.
As for the food menu? Think “burgers, grilled ham and cheese — of course all the appetizer stuff: mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers.” In other words, as Arte described it on social media, “killer food.”
“Yes, that’s what we’re wanting,” he said with a chuckle. “The nice part is being a part of the Speedway as well, we’ve got a pretty good staff put together already. So that’s what the next couple weeks are going to be — is getting it turned into what we were envisioning.”
Ready for a Pit Stop? For updates on the opening date, check Facebook.
