New business in Cape set to open in historical Broadway theater

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)- In the last year almost 20 new businesses have been added to downtown Cape Girardeau. This weekend another one will open its doors.

FOX23 News got an exclusive first look at Bourbon and Bitters — what owners describe as a swanky speakeasy style bar on Broadway.

The business is located inside the first floor and downstairs level of the newly renovated — once condemned — historic Broadway Theater.

“I have so many people that have so many great memories of this building,” said owner, Michelle Latham. “They tell me they came to the dollar movies here; they went on their first date here, they brought their families here. Opening here gives me a sense of giving back to the community.”

According to Liz Haynes, Executive Director of Old Town Cape, the business is among $7 million of new investments going into downtown in the last year, including 89 jobs.

“Giving back means to much to me, I love our downtown,” said Latham. “I think people are realizing there’s more to this than demolishing a building. It is constructing something new and saying let’s save part of our history. With this structure everything I could save, I saved. That includes all the brick. The brick is original, I said no matter what it looks like, let’s save it.”

The curtains also give a nod to the old theater’s original interior – new pieces include the tables made by owner, Michelle Latham’s husband.

She shared why it’s a dream for her to be a part of downtown Cape — and why she encourages others to invest.

“One of my top priorities was to make it a place that was classy and upscale and comfortable,” she said.

Besides the brick, some lighting elements were also saved from the theater.

Latham adds, “There’s so much happening here not just with this theater but all along Broadway, there are new businesses there is another theater that’s being revamped not far away — we have some new restaurants coming in with in blocks — it’s really catching on people are getting the fever and they want to be a part of downtown — there’s so much energy down here.”

Bourbon and Bitters has a soft opening Thursday and Friday and officially opens this weekend.

Old Town Cape directors add there is still plenty of space to invest in downtown.