Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob Mann.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Austin, Texas and have played in bands since I was in middle school. After graduating high school I toured around the country for a while until I was 23 and decided to move to NYC. I played in bands and bartended throughout my 12+ years there then my partner Erin and I had our first child and moved back to Austin. Eventually we made our way out to Elgin in March of 2020 where we decided to open a bar with some friends that had put down roots here ahead of us. We opened the Lightnin’ Bar in February 2023 and have been chugging along ever since.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was a bit difficult navigating the permits and red tape needed to open a business of this type in this town. But we persevered and thanks to our local community are still going. The rollercoaster ride of running a small business in a small town is always challenging. Learning ways to reinvent the offerings and business is a constant thing we are working on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We are an all inclusive creative run space. Run primarily by musicians, but also other artists types we strive to focus on the fun and creative aspects of bar culture. We have live music regularly and have hosted everything from country to rock n roll, folk to bluegrass and funk to gospel. We have had drag shows and beer and hymns events sponsored by one of our local churches. A family friendly environment is our goal with a place that allows our community to let loose and let their stresses go!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Our motto “good times and cold beer guaranteed “ is aimed towards folks of all kinds. All are welcome with open arms!
Pricing:
- Beer as low as $3
- Cocktails as low as $10
- Happy hour $1 off all drinks T-F 2-6pm
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Lightninbartexas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightnin_bar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lightnin.Bar/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/T6cYWOM_g1M
Image Credits
Photos by: Erin Riley
