Sackville’s nightlife is getting shaken up ahead of the new school year, with Chirps Bar almost ready to open the doors to its new, bigger location in the former Painted Pony Bar and Grill.
Opening day at the bar’s upcoming 26 Bridge Street location is September 1, with the grand opening on Saturday, September 5.
For owner Matthew Bugley, it’s a move that has been a long time coming.
“ I’ve wanted to move for quite a while now, probably the last year and a half. So I’ve been putting out feelers for a long time, and periodically, I would pester Kathy,” said Bugley, referring to Kathy Beale, the owner of the building and the restaurant it used to house.
Initially reluctant to sell the restaurant, Beale eventually called Bugley and offered him the space.
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Now with only a week left, Bugley said the nearly finished renovations have been a community affair, and he can’t wait to let people see what they’ve done with the place.
 ”I’m excited. Nervous at the same time, but very excited. A lot of people popped in while we were renovating, just random passersby, and we’ll bring them in and get their opinions on a couple things. We’ve changed a couple things just from people wandering in and saying, ‘What do you think about this?'”
While the bar top, dance floor, and stage remain intact from the former restaurant, all the booths and tables have been removed to make way for the larger changes, and Bugley is embracing the challenge that comes along with the growth.
“ It’s got to be at least four times the size. Where we’re at now … it’s very cramped. It’s long and narrow. So it’s exciting to finally branch out and have room with high ceilings and it’s going to be fun.”
For those familiar with the layout of the Painted Pony, when you enter, the pool table and dartboard will be to the right, and the back-right corner by the kitchen entrance will have a wall and frosted glass installed to house the VLT area.
That makes up half of the new identity of the place, said Bugley.
“ One side to serve for weekends, more of a club night setting, and then the other side to be more general-purpose use with the pool tables. I think we’re gonna put a dartboard up as well, and just have a cozy spot to hang out.”
To complete the makeover, there will be 16 booths on the stage side, as well as high-top tables for those sitting near in the games section.
Of course, four times the floor space also means that many more patrons and more staff. Manager Amanda Cardinal said they’ve finished hiring, with the final number sitting at 22, compared to the eight they have at their current location.
And even though it will be a large change for her too, she, like Bugley, can’t wait.
“ I am super excited. I’m pumped. I can’t wait for the final day to be grand opening. I’m expecting a huge turnout, and I think it’s going to be great.”
