Ribbon Cutting and VIP Sneak Preview held at Liberty Park Grill on Saturday
Clarksville, TN – The Liberty Park Grill opens today at 11:00am. The new restaurant serving Liberty Park held a official ribbon-cutting with the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce on Saturday in conjunction with a VIP preview of the new restaurant.
Restaurant manager Robert Bowlby took a few minutes to speak with Clarksville Online before the ceremony. “We’re so proud to be here! Clarksville is such a wonderful place, it’s a wonderful community,” he said.
“My family and I are just now getting to know the area but we like what we seen so far. It has a lot of history, a lot of unique things to do like the free movies in the park, the Downtown Farmers Market, the Roxy Regional Theatre. All very unique and exciting venues for us to discover as a family.”
He spoke about all of the support the new restaurant has received from the community and how important it has been to him, “Everybody here in this community has been so good to us, it’s a been a wonder. They have embraced us my family, this restaurant, and so with each and every day a new spirit and a new sense of excitement drives us.”
For the design and motif of the restaurant you will find art everywhere, Bowlby said, “We also wanted to tie into the military history and traditions of the Clarksville and Fort Campbell communities. We wanted to keep the restaurant unique celebrating the new, but reflecting into the past of this community, what the history of Clarksville is.”
The most unique features of the restaurant is the outdoor patio dining overlooking the Clarksville Marina he stated, “It is one of our best features and one that no other local restaurant can beat.”
Outstanding service is the main goal Bowlby said, “This company is very open-minded when it comes adaptations and changes in order to better facilitate the guests. Our number one goal is to make our guests happy! I want people to come in with their families set back relax and enjoy a great time with great drinks and great food! And that we are going to deliver. We’re going to make moments and set memories that people are going to remember for the rest of their lives!”
The feedback from people who’ve have been given a sneak peek of the restaurant and an opportunity to sample the food have been unbelievable he said, “We had about 380 people come through on Friday night, and with over 400 expected during VIP night on Saturday. People have told me how impressed with the venue and the food and the service they have been! The employees have really done a terrific job!”
Kitchen manager Amy Turley agreed wholeheartedly, “It has been amazing putting together a great kitchen staff and then watching them come together as a team.”
She was very excited about the scheduled opening for the restaurant on Monday, “I think people are going to find the food and service here to be outstanding,” she said. “We have a lot of truly delicious items on our menu for people to enjoy without breaking the budget. You’re not going to find better plates anywhere else,”
Food preparation was already underway for the VIPs and local dignitaries who were coming in to eat at the new restaurant that evening. I watched as meats and vegetables are prepared for cooking. One of the kitchen staff came by carrying a mesh bag full of giant oranges. I could feel the grills were already at cooking temperature as we walked by as Amy led me on a tour.
I asked Amy what I should try later that evening and she recommended the Hawaiian sirloin; “a premium 10 ounce sirloin marinated in our house made of American-style teriyaki sauce.” She described it as her favorite item on the menu.
The ribbon was cut by Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan. After the ribbon cutting ceremony a check for $2500 was presented to Denise Skidmore of Project F.U.E.L. to help feed at risk school children in Clarksville-Montgomery County schools.
Notables on hand or attending the vip preview that evening included Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn; State Rep. Joe Pitts; Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan and her Chief of Staff Bill Harpel; Clarksville City Councilmen Geno Grubbs, James Lewis; Montgomery County Commissioner Tommy Vallejos; Melinda Shepard from the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce; and many others.
A total of 400 people were invited to a special preview of the restaurant that evening.
“My favorite feature of the new restaurant is the environment in which it sits! To be here within liberty Park up on this hill overlooking that beautiful view,” he said pointing at the wide open expense of Liberty Park and the Marina, just below where we were setting. “That beautiful view on the river that’s the beauty of it! To be part of this community, part of this park, with that view, and this new amenity that the city has provided for its citizens is just amazing!”
“My favorite thing about the new restaurant is view of the water!” said McManus. “Water is magic and this just goes to prove it. There’s nothing like sitting out and having a cold beverage and a meal overlooking the water.”
Campbell and and his business partner Bob McManus both credited Mayor Kim McMillan and the Clarksville City Council for making this project happen. “I want to express my appreciation for Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan’s efforts, she has been our staunchest supporter. This would’ve been possible without the members of the Clarksville City Council who supported us and the able assistance provided by Clarksville City Attorney Lance Baker. They have all been great to work with!” Said McManus. Campbell agreed, “I don’t think that we could not have gotten as far as we’ve did, without the support of Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan, and the entire city Council! There is no question there is diversity in any team, but I believe that everyone has been unanimously supportive of the restaurant.”
“There is never a better moment than opening a new restaurant,” concluded Campbell “That is what we do, we do it well, and were proud of it. It’s going to be awesome!
“Everyone’s really excited to see the Liberty Park Grill open up,” said Melinda Shepard from the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce. “I think it will be a great asset to the Marina. I am also really excited about getting the chance to try the food here tonight.!”
“The atmosphere, the environment, and the decoration of this new restaurant is just beautiful,” said State Representative Joe Pitts as he sat with his wife Cindy about to give the food a try. “I think restaurant will be a nice addition to the quality of life for the people of Clarksville in Montgomery County, and so far from what I have seen I think it will be a hit!”
McManus concluded, “I want people to know that when you come here you are in for a special treat! I believe that is the total package; a beautiful restaurant with a nice ambience, great food, wonderful service, and awesome value.”
The City of Clarksville owns the building and property where the restaurant is located, but are subleasing it back to developers Derby Campbell and Bob McManus who spent $4 million on the construction of the 7700 square foot building, and will manage the day-to-day operations. The restaurant is expected to employ around 100 people.
Hours of operation for the new restaurant will be 11:00am to 10:00pm during the week, and 11:00am to 11:00pm during the weekends. To get to the Liberty Park Grill take the first right turn after entering Liberty Park (1188 Cumberland Drive).
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