The Eddy: A Gem of Reno’s Riverwalk
For nearly a decade, The Eddy has been an essential fixture on the Reno riverwalk, eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring each year. Typically opening around March 17, this beloved local venue transforms from winter hibernation into a vibrant social hub, inviting guests to enjoy drinks and camaraderie in a setting often described as a “best friend’s backyard.”
Preparing for Opening Day
Bringing The Eddy back to life after its winter closure is a labor-intensive endeavor that demands over 350 hours of work. Co-owner Phil Buckheart and general manager Jered Caudle work diligently with their team during this preparatory phase. “We lay out our early February timeline of what needs to happen to be open right during March; our goal is always Paddy’s Day weekend, rain or snow, no matter what,” Caudle explained.
Assembling a welcoming space involves meticulous cleaning and preparation of The Eddy’s three bars, bocce ball courts, cornhole areas, and astroturf lawns. Each component is inspected, cleaned, and often repainted to ensure the venue is ready for its enthusiastic patrons.
Team Dynamics and Staff Retention
The Eddy’s enduring success can be attributed, in part, to its strong team dynamics and excellent employee retention. The management reports an impressive 90% return rat e for staff each season. Buckheart noted that cultivating a team-oriented environment is essential to their operational success: “Management has good ideas, and our bar staff crushes that, where our bar staff has good ideas, and we can take those and crush those, too.”
In recent years, The Eddy has placed significant emphasis on hiring capable barbacks, recognizing that the attributes that make a good barback often translate into exceptional bartending skills. “We needed to focus mainly on our barbacks so they grow up to be better bartenders,” Caudle articulated, highlighting the importance of a cohesive team atmosphere.
Community Atmosphere and Established Reputation
Despite its popular allure among college students, both Buckheart and Caudle emphasize that The Eddy is not just a college bar. “I could serve a 21-year-old’s birthday party and then a 60-year-old’s birthday party right next to each other,” Caudle remarked, illustrating the venue’s diverse appeal. However, the team is also proactive in managing the challenges that come with a younger crowd, including combating the prevalence of fake IDs.
Innovative Updates for the New Season
Entering its ninth season, The Eddy is poised to enhance its offerings. This year, the managers will introduce a new pizza concept after acquiring a previously operated pizza restaurant situated in a shipping container on the premises. Caudle, who has experience in the pizza industry, stated, “We are targeting all the complaints we have heard about the pizza in the past to make service faster and the pizza better.”
Additionally, The Eddy plans to roll out new ticketed live music events, featuring regional acts that patrons have shown interest in.
Looking Ahead
As downtown Reno continues to evolve, The Eddy remains committed to preserving the vibrant Northern Nevada summer atmosphere. Caudle encapsulated the essence of the venue: “You’ll feel a cool vibe with good music and sunshine with people hanging out with a beer in their hand. Not much else matters more than that, right?”
The Eddy is located at 16 S. Sierra St., Reno. To learn more about its events and offerings, visit theeddyreno.com.