With a name like International Beer Haus & Stage, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Red Deer’s newest drinking spot will offer some 55 types of bottled beer — or that it’s set up nicely for musicians and other performers.
But it will also be a good place to interact with others, including strangers, said Peter Kaz, one of the partners in the business.
Scheduled to open to the public Friday, International Beer Haus & Stage will boast a couple of long “European-style” tables, as well as large leather sectionals and generous seating at the bar.
This will encourage patrons to chat and mingle, instead of clustering in small groups behind artificial barriers, said Kaz.
“We wanted to be an open layout, where if you’re coming in with your friend, you’re hopefully going to be sitting to the right or left or across from complete strangers that you’re going to be chatting with and either cheering on the same game or talking about something in the news together, or talking about a wonderful beer that you’re experiencing.”
Beer should be the topic of many conversations, with a broad mix of domestic and international products on the menu. These will come in an array of shapes, colours and tastes — with the selection changing over time.
There will also be draft options, and even beer floats: a scoop of ice cream with chocolate and caramel sauce in a glass of Guinness, or ice cream mixed in with strawberry-flavoured Früli beer, said Kaz.
“One of the fun things we’re going to be doing eventually is some sampling nights,” he added.
The food will include the standard burgers, salads, flatbreads and sandwiches, but also some interesting alternatives — such as a cone of frites, or french fries, stuffed with lobster or Montreal smoked meat.
“We’re trying to take people on a trip, whether it’s a type of food, whether it’s the way the food is presented . . . and the same with the beer — a different taste, a different look.”
The decor will also offer an international flavour, said Kaz.
The stage is a large one with good sightlines, he said.
Musicians will be brought in regularly and will include up-and-coming artists as well as established performers.
Kaz and another partner, Quan Diep, plan to draw from their connections through Electric Music Group Inc., an artist management company they operate.
Located in the former premises of Tequila Nightclub, International Beer Haus & Stage will operate from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Saturday.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com