Giddy up, Collegiettes, because The Blend is back–well, almost. In an exclusive interview with Her Campus Fordham, Simon Kaztaji–local legend and owner of Blue Goose–gave us the inside scoop on his new business endeavor. Here are the details you’ve been waiting not-so-patiently for on the bar that’s going to spice up your Friday nights: The Barnyard Barbecue.
In his recently-acquired space (formerly known as The Blend), Simon is building a full-scale barbecue restaurant, complete with Pitmasters from Texas and real down-south barbecue flavor. Simon has totally overhauled the inside decor from what upperclassmen may remember from The Blend. Brick accents, booths, a massive light-up bar, and Fordham decals are just hints at what is to come from the unique space. These structural changes come with some necessary compromises. If you’re someone who liked to spend your weekends enjoying the fresh air of the Blend’s courtyard, you’ll have one more semester to say a proper goodbye. Because he’ll need a place to put the barbecue smokers, Simon will eventually have to close off the courtyard to bar patrons.
Simon informed us that because of an outstanding noise ticket from Goose, work on the Barnyard Barbecue has been paused since last semester. When the ticket is cleared and work can resume, it won’t be long before its doors are opened to Fordham students. For at least this semester, the space will function as a bar. If you’re an upperclassman, you’re in luck. You’re looking at a maximum cover charge of $5. For underclassmen, the charge will be higher, most likely the $10-15 range. However, if that sounds a little steep, never fear: this cover will grant you access to both the Barnyard Barbecue and Blue Goose.
There’s also one more special addition to our usual weekend debauchery. Simon is taking a page from famous vacation bars around the world with light-up souvenir cups. The cups are a one-time purchase that are also good for future weekends. You bring the cup with you to Goose or the Barnyard Barbecue and your mixed drinks will be half-price.
After this semester, Simon intends on operating as a full-time barbecue restaurant. He is considering having special deals on food and drinks for students on weekend nights as a place to hit before heading to the other bars. It is definitely going to be a welcome addition to the Tri-Bar culture, adding something seriously unique to Arthur Avenue’s offerings. If everything goes as planned, Simon will have the go-ahead to continue work on the space by early next week, allowing him to open (and fingers crossed here, kids) by late February or early March. We’ll keep you posted when the well-anticipated opening date gets officially announced.