Johnny D's opens big in Blackwell

Johnny D's Lounge, formerly known as Sudsuckers for more than 20 years, reopened Thursday to a full house of Blackwellites. They came to check out the new bar that honors what came before, and looks to change itself for the future. 

Namesake and owner Johnny Dice said that the opening was a tremendous success.

“We knew people would show up, but the amount was way more than we could have dreamed,” Dice said. “We had a great opening day turnout. We held a memorial for Billy Huff, so that was awesome to see. The first weekend for us was huge as well. Saturday and Sunday, we stayed busy. Of course, our big hits were Budlight and Coors, and we've had a lot of requests for seltzer drinks as well.”

The Thursday the bar opened saw cars and trucks lined up across the gravel parking lot spanning from Main Street to 1st Street. The bar sold t-shirts and coozies to celebrate the “soft” opening.

“We added a dart board this week, and our draft beer has been slowly building steam too,” Dice said. “Things are looking up, and we're beyond thankful for the community who have been nothing but supportive so far.”

Johnny D's has two pool tables, re-arranged seating, new lighting, and an ATM. The bar is still cash-only.

Johnny D's currently serves several bottled and tap beer options, “beer buckets,” and Cayman Jacks. Bar owners are looking into providing wine in the near future.

Beginning this week, the bar will conduct pool tournaments every Tuesday and dart tournaments every Thursday, with draft beer specials on tournament nights.

The bar is open from 3 — 10 p.m. on weekdays and 3 p.m. — 1 a.m on weekends.