Full of Spirit, Slightly Strange, Fayetteville, AR

I recently had the absolute pleasure of peeking behind the quirky, velvety green curtain of Fayetteville’s long-anticipated new lounge—SideCar.

Here’s the beautiful thing about places: they are born in the minds of people with incredible histories and brought to life with sweat, tears, and diligence. The genesis of SideCar is a tale full of adventure—one that will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on our community. There are many actors in this story, but we will focus on four today: Reese Roberts, Corey McCain, TreY Fincher, and Kevin McAllister.

Let’s jump back in time: Reese, an East Texan gal, met Corey—a Fayetteville local since the late 90’s—while working at Bordinos—you know the spot. The universe conspired, and before they knew it, front-of-house and back-of-house joined forces, creating an unstoppable, badass partnership in both love and life. Corey began as a line cook, and over the course of a decade, worked his way up to sous chef, and eventually executive chef. Reese turned 20 while working at Bordinos and assumed the title of general manager of the entire establishment at just 25 years old, where she continued for the next five years. That’s the thing about some people—they give themselves so wholeheartedly to their endeavors that they become them.

Corey explains: “We just got lucky in our relationships.” But after spending time with them, I realized that they didn’t just get luck—they made it.

Fast forward to 2020: Reese and Corey weathered the storms of COVID. Corey explained that there was a huge learning curve for people in the restaurant industry during that time. Among the chaos of nationwide layoffs and restaurant closures, Corey says their continual thought was this:

“How do we support our people?”

Family meals and FIRa:

In response to COVID, Reese took action, founding FIRA along with Elliot Hunt, Chrissy Sanderson, and Hannah Withers. —the Fayetteville Independent Restaurant Alliance—on March 18, 2020. This nonprofit supports hospitality workers with financial aid through the HERO fund and offers resources like free ServSafe certification classes in partnership with the Fayetteville Public Library. FIRA's vision is a thriving, secure, and healthy community for hospitality professionals. Corey kept people fed family-style at the restaurant and beyond. The stress of these times really helped these two refine their leadership skills and what sat at the core of them as individuals: helping others achieve their dreams and serving their community love, support, and incredible food.

we almost can’t talk about Sidecar before we talk about…

Leverett Lounge. you know the place- Intimate, quirky and so Fayetteville. The food is phenomenal, the cocktails are perfect. Leverett was established in 2017 by entrepreneurs Hannah Withers and her husband, Chef Ben Gitchel. In October 2021, Withers and Gitchel passed the torch to their friends Reese and Corey- This transition reflects once again the collaborative and dynamic nature of Fayetteville's culinary community, with experienced restaurateurs building upon the foundations laid by their predecessors. If you have not been there, well. it’s about time. The legacy continues. Okay, okay, sidecar!sOk.T

SideCar: A Lounge Redefined.

In addition to their work with FIRA relief efforts and other ventures, Corey and Reese founded FaRE Hospitality, a company dedicated to helping restaurant operators transition into ownership roles. This is where TreY Fincher enters the scene. Well, he actually enters well before this, but I’ll explain that in a minute. Opening a new establishment on your own is an incredibly challenging undertaking—there are high startup costs, intense competition, operational complexities, and the difficulty of attracting and retaining customers. I could go on. Corey and Reese are lifting as they rise—they are expert guides.Eventually, Trey will take full ownership, making the lounge his own. For now, he collaborates with Corey and Reese, but he has complete creative and operational freedom—full control over the menu, hiring, and day-to-day decisions. Together, they’re bringing this vision to life, with everyone pitching in— (I think I caught Reese pulling an -nighter painting).

Before I disclose more about the SideCar vibe, let me tell you a little something about this humble yet totally badass human, TreY Fincher:

I love getting to write these stories because I can to brag on the people who won’t brag on themselves, so us laypeople can understand the excellence that goes into the drinks we sip on.

TreY received his hospitality and business management degree from the U of A, and because he was the top of his class, he was awarded an internship as a food and beverage director at the Pioneer Inn, the oldest hotel in continuous operation in Hawaii. Two days after moving back, he took a job at Brewskies (IYKYK), working for…wait for it…Corey’s mom! He started as a door guy, then a bar-back, a server, and finally a bartender. He has since worked for places like The Vault, Foxtail Brewing co., and as the lead bartender at The Guisinger.

“I fell in love with the craft of drink-making, and began to become proud of it. I started studying the history.” - TreY

The USBG (United States Bartenders' Guild) annually recognizes the top 100 bartenders in the U.S. This is a World Class competition, sponsored by Diageo. This prestigious event celebrates the creativity and skill of bartenders nationwide. Trey has been on this list for two years running, and we will get to revel in his glory right here in Fayetteville!

“I came from kitchens,” explains TreY. “I love the camaraderie—a band of misfits coming together to achieve this task. Being in the weeds, being so busy, you can really get into the zone.I wanted to create a space with a neighborhood vibe but world-class cocktails. A place where both friends and industry professionals can unwind or geek out over great drinks—a place that's sophisticated yet entirely approachable."

Every year, TreY participates in The Las Vegas Bar and Restaurant Expo, where he teaches and explores the latest trends in food and beverage. He also attends Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, a celebration of the cocktail industry, and participates in seminars in Brooklyn, NY, to stay at the forefront of the field.

Some ideas that have floated across their minds are having special guest bartenders, more inclusive menues to include benefit- driven “Mocktails” and nootropics. Above all, treY just loves the roots of Fayetteville. The place we all know and love. There will be themed sections of the Lounge, vinals galore, a splash of disco, a hint of jungle. You’ll just have to see it to believe it.

But wait, what about KEVIN?

I am tempted to stop here, because Kevin needs his own spotlight. But he is too cool not to mention, and part-and-parcel to the vision of sidecar:

Kevin founded Salt Group LLC in 2018. He comes to the table with decades of experience in bespoke construction. He is truly an artisan of his craft. Truth be told, Kevin is an artist in every area of his life (you should check out his photography), and when he starts a project, he gives it the time and attention that it needs to become something truly special. His father was a carpenter, and woodworking is just part of who he is. He loves creating relationships with small business owners providing them a boutique contracting experience. He is also just a really nice, down to earth guy.

Anywho-thank you for taking a small but meaningful peEk into the origin of side car with me. Its existence is a both a testimony to creative place-making, and gives Fayetteville an opportunity to hold-fast to its beautifully strange roots.