The Caboose Sports Tavern opening this week

Business will be picking up on a Main Street in downtown Corbin this weekend as The Caboose Sports Tavern opens for business.

Located in the former comedy club adjoining The Depot, work has been ongoing since July.

Billy Messer and Lisa Cradic, who own The Depot, have completely renovated the space to pay homage to its days as the home of B&H Shoes.

The plaster that covered the walls has been removed to expose the brick. The tin ceiling from the 1920s has been brought back to life.

“I wanted to keep as much of the old as I could, but make it new,” said Messer who was hands-on through most of the work.

In addition, décor on the walls pay tribute to Corbin, Corbin High School sports, and the railroad history of Corbin.

Four large screen televisions are on the wall behind the bar and additional televisions are strategically located throughout.

The sound system is piped into the bathrooms and the patio just inside of the main entrance.

While The Depot has a bar of its own, Messer said he is not worried about stealing his own business, as the atmosphere of each place will be complete opposites.

The bar at The Depot, as well as the restaurant, will remain more subdued for those who want to quietly enjoy a drink and a meal. The Caboose will offer a higher energy atmosphere featuring the likes of University of Kentucky sports, the Super Bowl, and March Madness college basketball.

“It is two different worlds with different clientele,” Messer said.

Messer said he isn’t trying to compete with other downtown Corbin establishments such as The Wrigley, Shep’s or Austin City Saloon. Rather, the goal is to compliment those establishments in an effort to make Main Street an entertainment destination.

“I’ve built this for the people of Corbin,” Messer said. “They wanted something for the 21 and older crowd, where you can get together to watch UK, or football, and hoop and holler.”

The Caboose will welcome its first customers Thursday night with an invitation-only soft opening.

The doors will open to the public at 4 p.m. Friday.

Regular hours will be 4 p.m. until 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Sunday.

“When I started on this, I could look at the blueprints and see it. But it actually came out better than I imagined,” Messer said.

“I’m excited that it is finally done,” he said.

More information is available on The Caboose Facebook page.