Music listening lounge with cocktails, ice cream planned for West Asheville
ASHEVILLE - An ice cream maker is putting a spin on how Asheville listens to music.
Potential New Boyfriend will tentatively open this summer following extensive renovations at 647 Haywood Road at the former site of The Littlest Birds retail store in West Asheville.
The owner, who goes by the name Disco, pivoted his business plan from Gospel Ice Cream, a pop-up that frequented local farmer’s markets for two years, to a sustainable music-focused brick-and-mortar establishment where guests can listen to deejay sets and albums while indulging in handcrafted treats.
“I knew I didn’t want a traditional sweet shop and what I wanted was a space where people could come ― where my friends could come ― and hang out together, have a nice glass of wine, listen to music and have long conversations.”
Last May, Disco kicked off a crowdsourcing campaign to raise $35,000 for Potential New Boyfriend.
“It was a way to validate a concept and know that people in Asheville ― there is a desire for something like this in Asheville,” Disco said.
The campaign was designed for contributors to pre-purchase perks that will be redeemable once the business opens. Items included ice cream desserts, drinks and entry to special events.
Potential New Boyfriend’s membership program will launch and offer perks.
Music elements
Potential New Boyfriend, whose name is inspired by a song by Dolly Parton, will be equipped with a Hi-Fi audio system ― a vintage Klipsch sound system with multiple speaker set-up ― and vinyl turntable.
Regularly, deejay-curated music will be played, and entry will be free.
Admission will be charged for special events, like album listening parties, screenings of films with strong music soundtracks or musical components, and guest chef-focused dining experiences.
The listening lounge will not offer a dance floor nor should guests expect a club experience.
Acoustics and music volumes are key to the venue’s design so guests can hold conversations at a normal level.
Genres in heavy rotation will include soul, R&B, disco, pop, chill/electronic and funk, plus some rock, folk, hip-hop and jazz.
“I want people that enjoy music, enjoy the company of other people and looking to meet new friends in Asheville,” Disco said. “People who are looking to catch a break from the madness outside and step into a different world for an hour or two where they can relax and treat themselves.”
Lounge vibes
The 1,200 building will offer nearly 1,000 square feet of public space and 25 seats.
Bar seating will be available.
Low, soft seating ― like couches and chairs ― and coffee tables will be sectioned off to create intimate areas for small groups and a living room setting where listeners can kick back and relax with friends.
Mid-century to post-modern designs and mood lighting will further set the tone.
“I tried to imagine a space that I would want to spend days and nights in because as the owner-operator I will be there all the time,” Disco said.
Sweet bites and sips
The full bar will offer alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, plus a menu of ice cream-based desserts.
The food and beverage program will be dessert-focused and foster collaborations with local farmers, producers and chefs.
Amaro, vermouth and dessert wines will be bar staples, plus a selection of natural wines.
“All of the desserts that we’re going to make will have an option to add an ice cream,” Disco said. “It’s going to be more, not just ice cream, but the Gospel flavors are going to be back.”
Disco said his prior experience working at a high-end Italian restaurant and as a co-director of a small film festival in New York in which he assisted in creating temporary, immersive lounges for guests has prepared him for Potential New Boyfriend.
He has built a team with a sound consultant, commercial interior designer, pastry chef and contractors to carry the vision through.
A local artist has been commissioned to create interior and exterior murals.
“I wanted to open a space that was more intimate than a brewery but less formal than a restaurant,” Disco said. “The idea is that it’s a space for people to come in and hang out and listen to good music because first and foremost it’s a listening bar.”
New Potential Boyfriend
Where: 647 Haywood Road, Asheville.
Tentatively opening: Summer 2024.
Info: For more, visit potentialnewbf.com and follow on Instagram @potentialnewbf/.
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Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Potential New Boyfriend listening lounge, bar coming to West Asheville
