Barter Theatre eatery renovated, renamed

ABINGDON, Va. Making the eatery at the Barter Theatre cozier and more restaurant-like was the goal of a month-long renovation to be completed next week.

The former quick-food Barter Cafe will reopen Feb. 14 as Bob's at Barter, which theater officials hope will be a place for people to sit down before or after a show, said Amanda Leslie Livingston, Barters director of marketing.

"It's something we feel is important to enhance the Barter experience, because it's not enough to see a show and then get in your car and leave," she said. "When you get out of the best shows, you're electrified and want to talk, and we were kind of cutting patrons short by not providing that experience."

Bob's at Barter, named after theater creator Robert Porterfield, will still offer quickly-made meals, but the menu has expanded to include more salads, hors d'oeuvres and vegetarian and vegan options, said Carrie Louthen, manager of the restaurant.

Inside, the walls have been repainted in warm white and black, and the theater paraphernalia that used to adorn the walls will be replaced by large black-and-white photo canvases of Barter shows. Pops of burgundy red -- Barter's signature color -- appear in comfortable armchairs and other accents.

"The former cafe had not been renovated in many years ... it definitely fulfilled its original intent, but we really wanted to make a place where people would linger," Livingston said. "It's more sophisticated."

A few walls have been added and the door will be moved to help redirect traffic through the space, said Christine Webb, Barters communication manager. Patrons will still order at the counter, which has also been redesigned, and, instead of getting a number on a table tent, will get an actor's head shot along with his or her biography, Webb said.

Seating has been increased, which is important because the restaurant often serves as a waiting area for Barter Stage II. Partitions will allow more dining privacy as well.

"Overall, we're really cleaning up the look and making it on par with the quality at Barter," Livingston said, adding that the new name is a perfect fit. "We wanted something more fun that stood out. If you think of your favorite restaurant, it has a name that sticks out and is unique to the place."

agibson@bristolnews.com | 276-791-5459 | Twitter: @BHC_Allie

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Barter Theatre eatery renovated, renamed