When Dave and Amber Fiala read the announcement at the Red Path Gallery and Tasting Room was going to close, they thought it was too bad.
“Amber brought up we should buy it,” Dave said.
At first, the idea was more of a joke. Then they met with Chase and Alison Koch, the business’s owners, and Jeanie and Verle Weimer, the business’s founders, and other friends.
As the Kochs’ closing date drew nearer, the Fialas had to make a decision.
“We decided to take a leap of faith,” Amber said. “It was a whirlwind.”
The Kochs agreed to keep the doors open while the Fialas finished all the details they hadn’t thought about – from developing a business plan to applying for a liquor license.
A lot of hands came on board to help with the transition. All the artwork was taken down, and 14 family members came to help paint the inside, which was completed in one day.
Dale Grimes built a second bar to match the existing one.
“It was done an hour before we opened,” Dave said.
The Fialas have had to learn a lot on the fly and are working around other jobs.
“Verle and Jeanie and Alison and Chase have answered 101 questions,” Dave said.
“Everything’s new. There are so many things we’re learning,” Amber said.
In addition to a different look inside, the Fialas decided to change the name slightly, from Red Path Gallery and Tasting Room to Red Path Gallery and Cocktail Lounge.
Amber said the change helps explain what they offer – more drink options and a relaxed atmosphere to gather.
“Come, connect, be,” Amber said.
The bank vault, one of the built-in features of the building, has changed its look to more of a speakeasy, she said. It offers places to sit and relax and is the first place claimed.
Amber said people are welcome to bring in their own food and enjoy the atmosphere if they choose.
“We wanted to make this a place we would’ve gone to,” Dave said.
They kept the Red Path name because it is an established tradition, she said. Dave redesigned the logo. Both were pleased that all the member artists stayed.
“That is a huge responsibility, and we take it seriously,” Amber said.
The two divide and conquer when it comes to the business. Dave works with the artists, while Amber handles the bar and the business side of things.
Amber said the drink options are a unique selection. They’ve gone with drinks not from Seward (like Junto and Bottle Rocket) because if you want those you can go there.
“Each has a different vibe and feel,” Amber said.
Nissen is another Nebraska wine from Hartington, and drinks from the Brickway Brewery in Omaha are available.
“We have brought in a lot that people ask for,” Amber said.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, one of the top requests is 1919 Root Beer, she said.
The goal is to continue to be a location for community events and art classes, they said.
“It’s critical for the Creative District grant,” Amber said. “We want to continue to play into the district and the Arts Council.”
The first paint and sip event scheduled was sold out. A puzzle competition was a huge success, with six teams each night.
The high school portfolio class had its show in the back gallery again this year. The event allows the students to set up their own show and work together to do it well, Amber said.
Amber said they plan to host art and author events with Chapters Books and Gifts.
In May, the gallery is planning a show featuring work by Reinhold Marxhausen. They are coordinating the show with his son Paul Marxhausen.
In June and July, the gallery will host Stacey Romick of Lincoln as a resident artist. The front room will be her studio during that time, and she will teach classes with a focus on senior citizens and youth.
“It’s a great opportunity for the community to have to invest in people and create opportunities,” Amber said.
Also during June and July, the gallery will host the Lincoln Artists’ Guild for a show, and the winner of the People’s Choice Award on July 4 will have a show in August.
The space is available for gatherings and events, as well, they said. Four nights a week it hosts a yoga class.
Amber said the first few weeks have been good.
“The reception has been very warm,” Dave said.
They said they never thought they would be part of the downtown business district.
“It’s critical that buildings stay full and vibrant,” Amber said.
Red Path Gallery and Cocktail Lounge is located at 514 Seward Street and is open Thursdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays noon to 9 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 1-4 p.m.
