Opening weekend for Neppel's Dockside Pub

MOSES LAKE - If it's every guy's dream to own a bar, then business partners Shane Stonemetz and Ray and Chris Valle have it made.

The trio recently took over ownership of the Sandbar and have been making improvements to the space - including refurbishing the patio and adding more indoor seating - over the past month or so.

And after being closed for the past couple of days, the bar is officially reopening as Neppel's Dockside Pub this weekend.

The opportunity to own the Moses Lake establishment came up a couple of months ago, Ray Valle said.

"Shane saw online that this place was for sale, and we talked and we're all at a good place in our lives to make this investment," he said. "And it is everyone's dream to own their own bar."

Chris Valle said deciding to go into business with each other was also an easy decision for the three of them to make.

The Valles are cousins and grew up with each other in Royal City. Stonemetz, a Zillah native, became friends with the pair after rooming with Ray in college.

"We just all click and have all the aspects to make this work," he said.

The Valles grew up around their parents and grandparents' business, he said. He also spent time as a casino manager in Vancouver and Stonemetz has business experience as well through his produce company.

Valle said one of the first things they all wanted to do was create a different vibe inside the business.

"That's part of the reason behind the name change," he said. "We wanted to bring the history of Moses Lake together with sports, because we're big sports guys."

Ray Valle said the interior will be decorated with historical photos of the town and other memorabilia. There will also be items that cater to sports fans, he said.

Valle said they want to create a homey environment where families felt comfortable coming in during the day to grab something to eat or to catch the game. However, they also want to continue to cater to the late night crowd - so they'll continue to have live music or a DJ after hours.

They're also going to be implementing different fun events at the bar like taco and trivia nights each Tuesday and showing Seahawk games on the patio during football season, he said.

"We all have a lot of different activities and promos we want to try out as we go forward," Valle said.

Neppel's opens for business at 5 p.m. Friday (today). Valle said there will be food and drink specials both Friday and Saturday nights - 50 percent off menu items Friday and $5 pulled pork on Saturday.

Zach Hinson, a contestant from The Voice, will perform Saturday night from 8:45 p.m. to 11 p.m. as well.

After opening weekend, Neppel's will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday. During football season, they will open on 9 a.m. on Sundays.