Owner hopes Renaissance helps rebuild downtown

An entrepreneur from the Findlay area is looking forward to a new challenge, being a part of downtown Tiffin's rebirth and revitalization. Dave Spridgeon, a partner in Findlay's The Bourbon Affair, is to open The Renaissance Refined Spirits, a Roarin' 20s-themed bourbon bar, at the former site of DP's, 129 S. Washington St. Spridgeon, who referees high school football games in his spare time and spent about 15 years as a deputy for Hancock County Sheriff's Office, said he credits Weston Reinbolt, Suzie Reineke and State Rep. Bill Reineke for helping to bring the bar to Tiffin. "They sat me down and told me about Tiffin," he said. "They were a catalyst." Spridgeon and his wife, Angie, went to dinner and Rep. Reineke told them the bar was something they needed to do. "We fell in love with the building and we fell in love with the town," Spridgeon said. "Bill affirmed his belief in this community. He spent that time with us as Bill the community member, we didn't even know (he was a state representative)." Spridgeon said he was struggling to come up with a name for the bar before Angie had a great idea. "After going around and meeting people and getting to know Tiffin, Angie thought, The Renaissance," he said. "It stands for rebirth. For Tiffin, that bar, that building and us, it encompasses all of it." He said the bar, which will offer whiskey, scotch, wine and craft and domestic beer, including 12 beer taps, will have its own niche. "We don't want to be the place with cheap pitchers and $1 shots," he said. "We want it to be reminiscent of the Roaring 20s." Spridgeon said the 1920s theme will be apparent because staff members will be in period dress and '20s jazz will be played. "Bartenders will probably wear fedoras, suspenders and bowties," he said. Renovation is under way, but Spridgeon said he hopes the establishment can open by Labor Day weekend. People may not recognize the inside of the building once changes are complete. They include adding copper bar tops, high-top tables, 1920s-style furniture, couches, Persian rugs and whiskey barrels used as bar tops. He said the indoor fireplace will be used and a tree was removed from the back patio, where a fire ring will be added and live music will be played. "With experience as a school board member, I know bathrooms mean a lot to people," he said. Angie Spridgeon said the downstairs hallway to the bathrooms will have new lighting and copper floors. The bathrooms are to be redone, with subway tile on the walls. Dave Spridgeon also teased about an exclusive, third-floor area called Barrel 51, saying people likely will need a password to enter. Angie Spridgeon said the establishment will host several tastings, which will no be limited to bourbon. "An example of a tasting," Dave said. "You purchase a ticket, you get three or four tastings and at the end, you'll have your choice of fine chocolate or a cigar. It will be a great value. It's a social experience, not just a bourbon tasting." Spridgeon said the business also is to host special events for holidays, the Kentucky Derby, to celebrate the end of prohibition, for Ohio State football games and for New Year's Eve. The bar will be open 4-11 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays and 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. He said the bar is to host private events on days they are closed for $50 and bartender fees. The bar also is to offer a few small-plate food options, but Spridgeon said they will pick up food from local restaurants, with no delivery fee. "We don't want to reinvent the wheel," he said. "We've got our little niche. We will put menus in our bar for local restaurants and we'll go pick it up for them. You don't see that." Angie Spridgeon said the couple is excited to be part of the economic upturn in downtown and Tiffin in general. "I consider myself an old soul, I enjoy seeing historic downtowns come back to life," Dave Spridgeon added. Tiffin Mayor Aaron Montz said he is excited about the new business. "The Renaissance will further our vision of making downtown Tiffin a destination, and provide another high-quality option for residents," he said. "This is not just another bar. This is a full experience." Spridgeon said he hopes Tiffin residents check out the establishment. "It's all about the experience," he said. "It will be a casual experience and you'll be well taken care of. If I go to another city, I want to taste their flair, to go home and tell people, 'You won't believe it, you need to experience this.'"