Welcome to the Farm, the bar inspired by country music artist Chase Rice, has announced an official grand opening is coming this Friday, November 18. The news on St. Pete’s latest themed bar has been highly anticipated since it was announced that the concept would be taking over the space formerly home to MacDinton’s at 242 1st Ave North on the Jannus block. On their instagram announcement, The Farm said it will have live music by country singer Martin McDaniel Friday-Sunday nights this weekend in celebration.

The concept, whose first location opened this March in Cleveland, Ohio, is inspired by Rice’s family farm, and is likely to make similar use of the venue’s expansive footprint as MacDinton’s did before it. After all, an Irish jig and a Texas two-step aren’t all that different.

Welcome to the Farm will heavily feature country music and live bands, as well as an expansive drinks menu loaded with specialty cocktails and an absolute wealth of whiskeys. The idea is to re-create something like a farmhouse party and present an experience akin to “the lifestyle behind Chase’s music.”

Welcome to the Farm is planning a full weekend of Grand Opening celebrations in the new venue beginning this Friday, and we expect to see a heavily renovated space adorned in nostalgic décor reminiscent of Rice’s farm life. In a video announcing the new St. Pete location, Rice sat on the porch at his farmhouse to share the news.

“It’s gonna look a little bit like this inside, but with a lot more alcohol,” he said. “Love you guys. Can’t wait to see you there.”

Hospitality group aiming to replicate success of concepts

The project is a collaboration between Rice and the Ohio-based Forward Hospitality Group. Forward Hospitality Group is also working to open Goodnight John Boy, a ‘70s-themed bar expected to open later this year in the former home of Ringside Café at 201 Central Avenue. That concept is also currently open in Ohio.

Welcome to the Farm is expected to be open late on weekends, and the bar menu from the Ohio location offers a good indication of what to expect from the drinks program here in St. Pete. Nearly 100 varieties of whiskey are available, as well as domestic and local draft beer, mimosa towers, and shareable bucket cocktails such as the Cowboy Crush margarita.

“We’ve had so much fun in Cleveland at Welcome to the Farm there,” Rice said in his video. “It’s been a blast. We decided, might as well bring one to St. Pete. I’m from Florida originally – Daytona Beach. So let’s cross the state. St. Pete, we’re coming your way. Welcome to the Farm.”