North Gate Tavern’s newest owner plans to teach an old bar new tricks.
The West Chimes Street establishment is under new management, was recently remodeled and is now serving food.
Dusty Cooper, owner and chef at North Gate Tavern, said the bar suffered an “identity crisis” and was devalued by the neglect of its previous owners and the rough crowd that frequented the bar. Cooper said she decided to serve food and change the restaurant’s decor to appeal to a new clientele, specifically University students.
“It hasn’t been a student hangout for quite some time.” Cooper said. “You can look out the window and see LSU’s campus. There’s no reason why it’s not packed with students.”
Cooper started her career as a professional cook, working with renowned chefs Wolfgang Puck and Ben Ford. She said she plans to use her culinary skills by putting a unique spin on classic dishes and serving them at affordable prices.
“This place hasn’t had food for 15 years. I had to do something that would create buzz,” Cooper said.
Buffalo chicken wontons, a grilled mac-and-cheese sandwich and fish tacos are a few attention-grabbing dishes on Cooper’s menu, which she finalized Friday.
Cooper, who bought the bar around June, said she also hired all new workers.
The tavern’s bartender, Baton Rouge Community College digital arts junior Jo Schott, said students are receptive of the changes at the bar. She said the tavern’s mission to cater to a different crowd is being realized, as fraternity and sorority exchanges are scheduled for the future.
Morgan Kerns, University microbiology alumnus, said she is disappointed by the changes in the bar since it was one of the few places that provided an alternative scene in Baton Rouge.
“We have an entire area dedicated to frats and sororities.” Kerns said. “It makes me sad that they are going in that direction.”
Peter Garibaldi, vocal performance sophomore and bouncer at the tavern, said the changes at the restaurant are not meant to ostracize a specific group of people and could possibly attract a more diverse crowd.
“It’s not some run-of-the-mill college bar.” Garibaldi said. “It’s not that stereotypical, homogenous group of college people. You can have frat guys hanging out with metal guys here.”
North Gate Tavern originally served as a venue for local musicians and live bands. Although she stopped booking bands for a period of time, Cooper said she plans to continue the tradition of live music at the bar.
Local band Bravo Charlie, who had played at the tavern before, performed a 30-song set Friday night, and band members said they still enjoyed performing at the venue.
Joshua Cartmill, animal science alumnus and guitarist for the band, said the new additions to North Gate Tavern increased the venue’s potential as a source for live local music in the community.
“It’s non-smoking inside now and a lot more pleasurable experience than a smoky dive bar.” Cartmill said.
The changes will attract the young professional crowd, which is the majority of the band’s fan base, Cartmill also said.
Cooper said there are more than 100 projects — from patio renovations to electrical work — required to finish the renovation, but she plans to have them completed by the end of 2012.
“It’s a slow process.” Cooper said. “We’re making some money and spending some until the place gets where it needs to be.”
 
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Contact David Jones at [email protected]