by Debbi | Sep 23, 2014 | Events
We may not have a Sandbar in Baldwin City, our lovely neighbor town to the south, but we have a soft spot for the charming place. And we have a lot of ties there—did you know that our founder, Peach, lives just outside Baldwin?
She’s super-involved with all the goings-on in the town, and we wanted to let all of our friends know about some of the fun things happening there this weekend.
Historic Trolley Tour
How awesome does this sound?! Board a historic open-air trolley at The Lodge (also owned by Peach), 502 Ames St., and tour all the wonderful historic—and not so historic—sites in town.
The tour is free, and leaves at 10:30 a.m. It lasts about an hour.
Baker University Homecoming
This is a popular weekend for Homecoming celebrations! The Baker Wildcats kick off their game against Graceland at 2 p.m.
Get Downtown Concert and Dinner
Who doesn’t love Sellout!? Everybody’s favorite party band takes the stage in downtown Baldwin City at 8 p.m. They’ll play your favorite 80’s and 90’s party music starting at 8 p.m.
(And you might recognize the stage they’re playing on…)
Come out before the concert for a community-sponsored taco bar at 6 p.m. A beer and wine garden will be available, so bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a lovely evening downtown!
by Debbi | Sep 11, 2014 | Birthday Party, Events
Well, friends, it’s been almost a month since our last big shindig. Can we just say, we’re STILL tired? You all know how to party!
We expanded our annual birthday bash to two nights this year, to celebrate the first anniversary of our neighbors across the street at Sandbar Subs and also to celebrate our 25th year in downtown Lawrence.
Twenty-five years. Crazy, huh?!
And you all didn’t disappoint—both nights, our little block was jam-packed with friends and family who traveled from near and far to party with us, listen to the music, drink some beer and have a good time.
We didn’t take as many pictures as we usually do, but we have a few good ones in the slideshow up above to share. We’d love to see your pictures, too. If you have some, email them to us at sandbar@thesandbar.com; if you have a lot of photos, we can hook you up with a Dropbox or another method of transferring mass quantities of files. Just email us and let us know.
If you didn’t get a 2014 block party shirt, we have a few left in stock.
So, cheers! And while we can’t wait until next year’s party, don’t be a stranger. Stop by and see us!
P.S. More big party news coming up soon, stay tuned…
by Debbi | Aug 20, 2014 | Good Things
The ALS ice bucket challenge has taken social media by storm, and if you haven’t seen videos of kids, adults and even dogs being drenched with buckets of ice water (and, in some cases, just ice), then you’ve been living under a rock. Or you don’t have a Facebook account. (Looking at you, Mr. Regular Customer who will remain nameless.)
Anyway, the phenomenon basically consists of someone dumping a bucket of ice water over their head and then nominating one or fifteen of their friends to do the same, with the whole event captured on video and then shared on social networks.
The nominees have 24 hours to take the challenge or else they’re expected to make a donation to the ALS Association. But, we also know that many of those taking the challenge are also donating—so they’re definitely putting their money where their mouth is.
In fact, as of today, the ALS Association reports they’ve received $22.9 million in donations during the time period July 29-August 19, compared to $1.9 million during the same time period last year. What’s more, the donations have been made by existing donors and more than 453,000 new donors.That’s amazing, people.
It’s no surprise that some of our Sandbar staff and friends were called to the challenge. Check out our video below, featuring managing partner Dave; longtime regular customers Curtis and Brandon; and current bartender and longtime Sandbar art director Justin.
Andrew, consider yourself lucky that you’re on your honeymoon.
Even if you’re tired of seeing the ice bucket challenge videos dominating your newsfeed, you can’t deny that it’s truly accomplished a goal of raising awareness of ALS—and raising some serious cash.
Thanks to Michelle for filming the event!
by Debbi | Aug 19, 2014 | Birthday Party
Every year, we create a new photo slideshow. The show runs on our TVs in the bar, and we usually play it at the annual block party. We ask our loyal friends and family to send us pictures, because let’s face it: our own photos often have the same people in them over and over and over. And while we know you all love Dave, well, sometimes it’s nice to know that other people actually visit the bar, too!
So, here’s this year’s slideshow. Thanks to all the Sandbar friends who emailed photos to us. Many of these are pictures from the past year; however, you’ll probably recognize some of these photos from years past. And some of them are from MANY years past. Thanks, Michelle, for the walk down memory lane.
And that very first picture you see below? There’s a great story there, but it’s not one we can tell on the internet. Maybe in another few years…
Enjoy!
by Debbi | Jul 30, 2014 | Birthday Party, Events, Sandbar Subs
Help celebrate our 25th birthday!
That’s right, your favorite dive has been serving up tropical drinks in downtown Lawrence for 25 years now, and for the past five years we’ve celebrated our birthday every August with a giant block party in the street.
This year, the party gets even bigger! Join us for TWO NIGHTS—yes, two nights!— of live music, lots of beer, and more fun than people should be allowed to have.
Here’s all the details:
Friday, August 8
- Celebrate Sandbar Subs World Headquarters’ first anniversary in downtown Lawrence
- Live music from Heavy Petty and Sellout!
- RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends
Saturday, August 9
- Party with the Sandbar for our 25th birthday
- Live music from Blue Orleans and Lost Wax
- Giant inflatable pirate slide
- Appearances by Captain Jack Sparrow and Barbossa
- RSVP on Facebook and invite your friends
Both nights will feature a beer garden in the street in front of the bar. The cover charge for the beer garden is $5 each night, and you have to be 21 or older to come in.
However, the event itself is family-friendly, so you’re welcome to bring kids and lawn chairs and hang out outside of the beer garden, too.
We can’t wait for the greatest weekend of the summer, and we hope you’ll join us!
Photo credit: Jenn Hethcoat
by Debbi | May 15, 2014 | Graduation
We put out the annual call for Sandbar graduates recently—Sandbar customers who have become regulars in the bar during their time at KU. Learn a little bit about Matt in today’s post.
What’s your favorite Sandbar jukebox song? Which one do you never want to hear again?
Favorite: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Theme Song.
Never to Hear Again: Never heard a song I didn’t like on the jukebox; I just don’t like listening to the same song five times when I’m there. (Editor’s note: Neither do we.)
Tell us the funniest moment you remember at The Sandbar- whether it involves you or not.
It was a slow Saturday afternoon right after opening when my girlfriend and I brought in our puppy, a mini-dachshund (weiner dog), named Olive. The crowd was pretty small since the bar just opened, around five to ten people.
We were sitting at the bar enjoying some refreshments, sneaking some popcorn to Olive between sips, when a patron of the Sandbar came up and asked, “Are you happy to see me, or is that a wiener in your lap?”
Remember the first time you came here? Tell us your first impression.
I thought it was a unique bar with a cool theme that made me want to go on a Caribbean vacation. When I had that first delicious Shark Attack surrounded by awesome music and atmosphere I was hooked. (Maybe we should check these drinks to see if they are laced. Just a thought.)
What’s your drink of choice? The one you’ll miss the most?
The Bahama Mama with a chaser of Dirty Banana. However, the one I will always miss the most is the JERSEY SHORE. Bring it back!
Tell us what you’re doing after you graduate- sticking around town or moving on to new adventures?
Well, it is time to move on…sort of. I will be close by in Kansas City working at The University of Kansas Hospital completing a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency.
How many hours have you waited in line?
I have probably waited for no more than three hours TOTAL in my eight year college stint. I usually plan to get their early or go in on Saturday afternoon with my girlfriend Kylie and our dachshund Olive when it isn’t terribly busy to visit Coleen. (Coleen loves to give Olive Scooby Snacks and “spill” popcorn for Olive to clean up.)
Gotta love the Sandbar! I will be bringing family and friends there this graduation weekend for tasty refreshments. Can’t wait.
Congratulations, Matt! (And to Kylie and Olive, too.) We look forward to seeing you this weekend.
by Debbi | May 14, 2014 | Graduation, Sandbar Stuff
Dear Class of 20
14 members, our latest graduation pint glasses are here!
The much-anticipated items finally arrived today. They’re available with red and blue designs, and you can pick one up (or as many as you want, really) for the low, low price of just $3.
Thursdays are our popular tropical drink night, when you can buy a tropical drink and pint glass combo, then bring your pint glass back for refills any Thursday for just $2.50 per drink.
We ordered two batches of these glasses, so we *should* have enough for all of you. But if not, we can always order more…
by Debbi | May 12, 2014 | Graduation
We put out the annual call for Sandbar graduates recently—Sandbar customers who have become regulars in the bar during their time at KU. Learn a little bit about Emily in today’s post.
What’s your favorite Sandbar jukebox song?
Everyone knows 90s music is my domain (which is why Sandbar is the best), but I’d have to go with Circle of Life. There’s just something about hearing that tribal chant when you’re a few (cough 10) drinks in!
Which one do you never want to hear again?
I actually don’t recall ever hearing a song I haven’t enjoyed! If anything, just no more Taylor Swift.
Tell us the funniest moment you remember at The Sandbar- whether it involves you or not.
When me and this other guy were doing a hurricane and he challenged me to a dance off on the bar. I think he was twerking at one point. He obliterated me!
Remember the first time you came here? Tell us your first impression.
I knew it would become my home away from home (is that sad?)! I heard Mmmbop come on and I was hooked! (Editor’s note: Mmmmbop is a certain bartender’s favorite song. Ahem, Justin.)
What’s your drink of choice?
The classic Shark Attack! Dirty bananas are also a weakness of mine
The one you’ll miss the most?
$2 Tuesdays and Refill Thursdays! Having everyone sing “I Want It That Way” is also like a religious experience, so I’ll definitely miss that!
Tell us what you’re doing after you graduate- sticking around town or moving on to new adventures?
Currently waiting to hear back from jobs in Boston and Baltimore, so hopefully I’ll be heading out that way soon! But I will definitely be in Lawrence over the summer!
How many hours have you waited in line?
I’ve never waited more than 30 minutes! I make sure to get there early to avoid any lines! I’m not an amateur!
Thanks Sandbar and everyone there for all of the memories!
Thanks, Emily! Good luck on the job front.
by Debbi | May 7, 2014 | Graduation, Sandbar Stuff
Good news, graduates-to-be!
We’ve had a few questions about our graduation 2014 commemorative pint glasses, and we’re happy to tell you that these popular items will be here soon.
We don’t have an exact date yet, but as soon as they arrive, we’ll be sure to let you know.
Here’s a look at this year’s design:
No, it’s not totally unique; you may recognize this design from 2011. But it’s good enough to recycle, don’t you think?
We’ve ordered these in both red and blue. So, if you’re still looking for a gift for the graduate on your list, stop by and pick one up!
by Debbi | May 6, 2014 | Graduation
Back in 2010, we came up with the idea of celebrating graduation season by featuring YOU on our blog: our friends and customers who keep coming back and buying our brand of fun.
Turns out, it was a great idea. People love reading about people, especially people they know. And we love giving a public shout out to you guys!
So, if you’re a Sandbar regular and graduating in 2014, keep reading.
Send us an email with answers to the following questions- answer some of them, all of them, or make up your own questions, we don’t care. These are just some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
- What’s your favorite Sandbar jukebox song? Which one do you never want to hear again?
- Tell us the funniest moment you remember at The Sandbar- whether it involves you or not.
- Remember the first time you came here? Tell us your first impression.
- What’s your drink of choice? The one you’ll miss the most?
- Tell us what you’re doing after you graduate- sticking around town or moving on to new adventures?
- How many hours have you waited in line?
Also: we love pictures. Especially if you’re wearing a Sandbar shirt!
Email us at sandbar@thesandbar.com and we’ll feature you on our blog sometime in the next week.
