The formula for a new business opening its doors in downtown Ann Arbor is pretty simple: “Live bands. Cold beer.”
That’s according to Jerry McKinnie, general manager of the Ranch Honky Tonk — a new country music-themed bar and music venue that celebrates its grand opening on Thursday.
“That’s really the whole idea behind The Ranch,” McKinnie said in a statement. “It’s a place where people can show up with friends, hear songs they know, and have a great time without overthinking it.”
The Ranch officially opens to the public at 3 p.m. on Thursday at 122 W. Washington St., in a space that was a former attached bar to Grizzly Peak Brewing Company.
It says it aims to have live music multiple nights a week, with live bands on the main floor and DJs downstairs.
Michigan country bands Double Wide Ride and the Townsmen are set to perform for the opening evening festivities on Thursday, with Mallery Lynn Band and Kari Holmes on Friday, Swamp Donkey and Deer & Elk on Saturday, and Shelby & Jack on Sunday.
The drinks menu keeps it simple, with a focus on beers and shots. Those include its signature Ranch Water and Blue Collar Light Beer, both brewed in-house.
Food options include Southwestern-inspired dishes like Elotes Queso, Carne Asada Fries, and Sonoran Dogs.
“Ann Arbor has plenty of places to grab a drink,” McKinnie said in a statement. “What we felt it needed was a cool spot with live bands, dancing, and crowd out to have a great time.”
More information is available at theranchhonkytonk.com.