A memorable nightlife spot in downtown Richmond is opening its doors for the first time in more than two decades Friday night. Walk-through tours of “The Family Dog” bar will be a part of Eastern Kentucky University’s Homecoming festivities. Morgan Varney is the daughter of Family Dog owner Robby Robinson. She said preparation for this walk down memory lane hasn’t been overwhelming. Varney noted visitors will find much the same as it was during their school years.
“I mean my husband has done a majority of the work in there. We've just done some polishing, replacing some floorboards, things like that. But, everything that people are gonna see is pretty much like it was when doors closed back in 2000,” said Varney.
Varney said part of the dance floor is still in place, but unfortunately it won’t be lit up or suitable for dancing. She added many of the pictures and décor are the same and old tunes could ring out during tours.
The bar was a party location from the mid 1970’s until it closed in 2000. The three-hour event is planned as a one-time experience. Varney was asked about the possibility of The Dog again becoming a hopping place.
“I’ll leave you with this. We all have dreams. We all have things we want to do in our lifetimes. So, I won’t put anything on the table or off the table. The buildings there. It’s in great condition. I’m young. My husband and I are young. Who knows what the future holds, but it definitely is a fun idea to think about,” said Varney.
For this Friday night, the line’s expected to form around seven o'clock, just after the Homecoming parade down Main Street. The walk- through experience is scheduled until 10:00. A block party will be staged outside The Dog during that same time.
Varney says the plan is to reopen The Dog soon after the Homecoming parade concludes, around 7:00. Block party activities are planned outside the former bar until 10:00.
