The Bar of Soap Laundromat and bar holds its grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 10. Sean McNeal's new business on Merrimon Avenue (in a shopping plaza that once housed various bagel shops and mineral galleries) includes all manner of ways to while away the time while taking advantage of the laundry facilities, from drinking local beer and wine to playing video games to reading used books. What more do you really need? "If you think of something, let me know," says McNeal. "I can add it."
The grand opening festivities for The Bar of Soap start at 8 a.m. and last until midnight, with music by Andrew Fletcher, free use of the laundry machines as well as raffles that include a year's worth of laundry machine use.
Food will be available, including baked goods from Annie's Naturally Bakery and sandwiches from the Lowdown Food Truck. Five taps will offer mostly local beers, as well as locally brewed kombucha.
"It's going to be a great place for people to come hang out," says McNeal, who adds that feedback from the neighbors and students from UNCA has been positive. "Everybody's pretty excited over there."
The Bar of Soap is located at 333 Merrimon Ave. and will be open from 8 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week. For more information, check out the bar's Facebook page.
