Slingshot closed over the summer after four years in business. (Mike Platania photo)
A new “eatertainment” concept is en route to a Scott’s Addition building already known for combining games and grub.
Scotty’s Taphouse is preparing to open in the former Slingshot Social Game Club space at 1304 MacTavish Ave.
Behind Scotty’s is Chris Farag, whose ownership group also owns Southern Railway Taphouse in Shockoe Slip.
Kaitlyn Drummond, Scotty’s events manager, said they jumped on the space when it came available after Slingshot abruptly closed in late summer. The group is leasing the space from building owner Hem + Spire. Sperity Real Estate Ventures’ Nathan Hughes repped Scotty’s in the deal.
“It was definitely unplanned,” Drummond said. “(We) just saw an opportunity to join the other amazing restaurants in Scott’s Addition and be a part of that community.”
Slingshot opened in 2019 as a spinoff of The Circuit Arcade Bar, offering entertainment like duckpin bowling lanes, bocce ball and Skee-Ball, along with a wall of 42 self-serve beer taps and a food menu offering bar fare like wings and burgers.
Scotty’s will be similar in concept to Slingshot with both entertainment and dining options. The beer tap wall and duckpin lanes will be retained, and Drummond said they’re adding a stage for live music.
“We’re really most excited to work with local musicians and we plan to host a lot of live performances. That’s a really huge focus for us,” Drummond said.
The building’s kitchen is also getting a full renovation. Drummond said they’re still finalizing the menu, which will include traditional American fare.
“We will consider ourselves a full-service restaurant,” she said.
It hasn’t been decided whether Scotty’s will retain the Skee-Ball lanes, but Drummond said they are bringing in some new arcade games along with other new furniture for the space.
The Scotty’s space spans around 10,000 square feet and includes an outdoor patio. Drummond said the space will also be available for private events.
Scotty’s is planning to have a preview event with live music on Oct. 26 before closing back down for a few weeks. Drummond said they’re hoping to open full time in November.
Another recent addition to the dining scene in and around Scott’s Addition is Toast New American Gastropub, which opened last month in the Scott’s Walk development across from The Diamond.