Upscale cocktail lounge 158 on Main announced on Sept. 11 that it would be closing its doors for good at the end of September.
However, the Mooresville spot is going to return. Waves Entertainment, a local event production company, has gained ownership of the spot and plans to reopen it on Oct. 23, according to a Sept. 30 post on the 158 on Main Instagram page.
The spot is known for its classic and signature cocktails and live music. Justin Taylor, who owns Waves Entertainment, first started working with 158 on Main more than a year ago when the past owner contacted him to help with the live music portion of their business. Waves Entertainment assisted with their sound system operations and band booking.
“It was a good relationship for our artists to have a place to perform,” Taylor said. “Our staff ended up loving to hang out there. It just became our little clubhouse in a way because it was a good client and we were affiliated with it and we liked it.”
Taylor not only has worked with 158 on Main, but he also lives nearby and sees the value in keeping a Mooresville business going. With the reopening, he is aiming to keep the original 158 on Main spirit alive and stay true to the brand while hopefully rolling out some expansions.
Customers can expect the brand and design of the cocktail spot to remain the same. Taylor also plans to keep the high-end craft cocktails on the menu, but he hopes to expand the beverage program to include more affordable options as well.
In addition, he eventually hopes to roll out a more full-service restaurant model, serving full dinners rather than just snacks and tapas. In 2025, he plans to explore a three-hour lunch service tailored toward local businesses and a weekend brunch option.
Beyond that, he looks forward to potentially introducing new events that will keep the live music aspect of the brand going. Waves Entertainment has a strong focus in the entertainment and music industry, and he hopes to bring that to 158 on Main to provide opportunities to local musicians.
“With the Waves connection, I think there will be a lot of musicians who will be attracted to the place,” Taylor said. “I would like to start an open mic on Wednesday night and to be a part of local musicians coming together.”
Taylor and his team are looking forward to reopening the local business and keeping it in the community.
“Thank you for your support and we can’t wait to welcome you back to 158 on Main for classy cocktails and tunes very soon,” the Instagram announcement reads.
