Big Whiskey's to open Branson Landing location

Last edited 11:44 a.m., Dec. 23, 2014

The owners of Big Whiskey’s American Bar & Grill are planning a sixth restaurant at Branson Landing.

The ownership group – comprising Paul Sundy, Michael Heslin, Randy Gildehaus, Jame Clark and Austin Herschend – plan to start construction next month and wrap up before the summer tourism push, said Sundy. The restaurant is expected to open this spring.

Sundy said the owners signed a five-year lease for undisclosed terms with HCW LLC to occupy 5,300 to 6,000 square feet at the Hilton Promenade, which also would stretch into the Landing.

“It’s the main entrance to the Landing, right there in front of the fire and water,” Sundy said, referring to the fire show put on at the retail strip alongside Lake Taneycomo. “With it being right in the smack dab middle of the Landing, we really think that it’s one of the better spots in the Landing from a foot traffic standpoint.”

Adam Pyle & Associates is serving as general contractor for the restaurant that calls for a total rehabilitation of the front of the space and small rehab of the kitchen area, Sundy said. Construction is slated to begin in January, when the Big Whiskey’s owners take over the space.

The restaurant would employ 60, and Sundy said the eatery also is meant to appeal to Branson residents on a year-round basis.

“We’re not interested in slowing down whenever the busy season’s over,” he said. “We feel that there’s a local community there that will hopefully come and support our brand.”

The space most recently served as a breakfast spot for Hilton Promenade guests, but Hilton was looking for an all-day restaurant, Sundy said. It's also the former home of Liberty Tavern.

Big Whiskey’s opened its fifth location in June at space leased in Ozark from B&B Theatres.