BaseCamp, a sports bar offering an accessible menu, craft beer, cocktails and numerous televisions will open its doors in downtown Austin later this fall. Located at 120 West 5th Street, BaseCamp will provide a unique place to grab a beer and catch a game while enjoying thoughtful classic American cuisine with a Texas focus.
Leading the team is owner Chad Barrett, a founding partner of locally based commercial real estate firm AQUILA Commercial. Going back to his roots as a bartender at a nightclub in college, Barrett opened Summit Rooftop Lounge at 120 West 5th Street in 2013, an upscale nightlife establishment that boasts a rooftop view featuring some of downtown Austin’s most iconic buildings. A long time sports fan himself, Barrett felt the sports bar and restaurant market in the heart of Austin was underserved. “I wanted to create an establishment that is comfortable to watch a game while enjoying fresh and distinctive food,” comments Barrett. Seeing this void in the marketplace, Barrett connected with friend Dan Wyman, an established hospitality veteran, about bringing his vision to life. “Dan’s background with some of Austin’s most celebrated restaurants gives BaseCamp that something extra: a menu that is thoughtful, prepared with fresh ingredients, and a staff and atmosphere that assures that the experience will be both lively and fun,” notes Barrett.
With managing experience from Parkside Projects (Parkside, Olive & June, Backspace, Bullfight) and Uchi, the aforementioned Wyman is the group’s General Manager and Partner. Entering the hospitality world at the young age of 12, Wyman landed in Austin in 2009, hailing from acclaimed pan Asian street food restaurant Poleng Lounge in San Francisco, and began working for Shawn Cirkiel shortly after the opening of Parkside. Wyman assisted in the opening and conceptualizations of Backspace, Olive & June, Chavez and Bullfight, and then moved to the team at Uchi as a manager.
“We knew we wanted to open a place where you catch a game in an environment where food quality and genuine hospitality are not sacrificed,” says Wyman.
Round out the team is Eric Kuypers, an Austin native, who will act as Executive Chef. After graduating from Texas Culinary Academy, Kuypers honed his culinary skills at Uchi, Peached Tortilla and Barton Creek Country Club before joining the team at BaseCamp with former Uchi colleague Wyman.
Showcasing orginial American fare, the menu will focus on quality ingredients and will highlight mainstay items, in addition to seasonal features. “As a local Austinite, it’s important to me to use local products whenever possible. Our menu will have something for everyone – from light refreshing salads to traditional Texas BBQ,” notes Chef Kuypers.
Located on the first floor of 120 West 5th Street, BaseCamp will be open seven days a week, Monday through Friday from4 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. through 2 a.m. beginning fall 2015. For more information about BaseCamp, follow on social media: www.facebook.com/BaseCampATX or @basecampatx on Twitter and Instagram. Media inquiries can be directed to Cultivate Public Relations: caroline@cultivatepr.com.
New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…
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