Last August, MXSW broke the news that Texas-based Varsity Tavern was taking over the three-story building that formerly housed Hooters and Gringo-Star Street Bar on the southeast corner of Mill and Fifth Street in downtown Tempe.
Besides a Varsity Tavern, we now know the upscale sports bar’s owners also are introducing two new related concepts in the building.
The ground level (formerly Gringo-Star) will be shared by new concept Rodeo Ranch, described a ‘‘vibrant, energetic’’ nightclub with a mechanical bull, and a yet-to-be-announced food concept.
The second and third floors (formerly Hooter’s and its Owl’s Nest) will be Varsity Tavern, whose original location is in Fort Worth. Tempe will be its second location.
A hiring fair for Rodeo Ranch will take place noon-6 p.m. Sunday, July 15, and Monday, July 16, in the Low Key Piano Bar in the building’s basement. Open positions include managers, cocktail waitresses, bartenders, barbacks, bouncers, DJs, and promoters.
Rodeo Ranch is expected to open in August, although a date hasn’t been announced. The ground-level food concept and Varsity Tavern are expected to open in the fall.
