End of an era at Hopkins Icehouse
Hopkins Icehouse in downtown Texarkana is about to kick the habit.
Since its inception in 2007, the eatery has been a place where customers could light up as they enjoyed a burger or beer, but not anymore. Starting this week, Hopkins is going to be smoke-free.
George Dodson, co-owner with David Jones, said the move is meant to open up the establishment to a wider audience.
“We really want to introduce our food to everybody,” he said. “We want a locally owned place like this which offers a clean environment everyone can enjoy.”
In early May, Hopkins put out an announcement on their Facebook page that the restaurant will be non-smoking and non-vaping.
“We will be closing on 5/10 Wednesday and 5/11 Thursday to ‘refresh’ the interior of our building,” the announcement states. “This will include everything inside being removed from the walls, floors scrubbed and AC system professionally cleaned. We will NOT be 21-andover, so come and enjoy our eclectic downtown piece of history with your whole family! A kids menu will be added as well.”
The site was formerlly Hopkins Feed and Seed, which was established by Gordy Hopkins in 1936 and operated in the era of ice houses, before refrigeration. Ice houses stored the ice that came off the freight trains, and were areas where the men in town congregated to socialize, especially since their wives made them keep their beer there.
Hopkins Feed and Seed remained in operation until 2007, when Dodson and Jones bought the place. The pair, veteran house flippers, initially conceived transforming Hopkins into condos.
“But Dave said, ‘Let’s open up our own place. How hard can it be?’ Famous last words.” Dodson said.
In time, Dodson and Jones opened another Hopkins Icehouse, on Gibson Lane.
“It is a 50-50 partnership, both locations.” Dodson said.
Converting the downtown ice house into a bar was a natural evolution, Dodson said, since its roomy, cool interior lent itself to being a place to enjoy a cold one. The business catered to the over-21 crowd, but the response to going non-smoking has received overwhelming response.
“Well over a hundred thousand people saw the announcement,” Dodson said. “Thousands have offered their support and enthusiasm for it. Very few have expressed opposing views so far.”
“We want to be a place where families and professionals can come enjoy great food and our atmosphere. We will still have our drinks and live music. And our brunch menu that we started two years ago will still be offered.”
Hopkins also plans on an eighth anniversary party with live music and food Saturday as a grand opening for the refurbished business.
The flagship Hopkins Icehouse is at 301 E. Third St., Texarkana, Ark.