Bobby Carlson - Sundance Saloon

David Woll chats with Bobby Carlson, owner of Sundance Saloon in Mundelein, Illinois. Bobby shares his journey into the bar business, detailing how he and his brother acquired the establishment and transformed it into a vibrant community hub. They discuss the bar's evolution, emphasizing live music, family-friendly events, and unique offerings like their famous pickle shots and smoked meats. Bobby highlights the importance of a welcoming atmosphere, community engagement, and continuous improvement.

Discovering Lake County: The Heartbeat of Sundance Saloon with Bobby Carlson

In this episode of "Discovering Lake County," host David Wolfe sits down with Bobby Carlson, the passionate owner of Sundance Saloon in Mundelein, Illinois. Bobby shares his journey into the bar business, the evolution of Sundance Saloon, and the vibrant music scene that has flourished under his ownership. This blog post delves into the key themes of the episode, offering detailed insights and actionable advice for bar owners, music enthusiasts, and community builders alike.

Bobby Carlson's Journey into the Bar Business

Background and Ownership Journey
Bobby Carlson and his brother ventured into the bar business in 2015 when they acquired Sundance Saloon, previously known as Mavericks. Bobby's brother, who had experience in the food industry, saw an opportunity and reached out to Bobby for support. With prior experience running a small bar in southern Illinois, Bobby joined his brother in this new venture.

Evolution of Sundance Saloon
Initially, Sundance Saloon had a different focus, but Bobby recognized the potential of the existing country music crowd. He and his brother committed to maintaining the bar's country roots while expanding its offerings. They introduced live music and made significant improvements to the venue, enhancing the stage and production quality to create a true concert experience.

The Importance of Live Music

Building a Reputation
Bobby emphasizes the importance of live music in their business model. Sundance Saloon has built a reputation for hosting a variety of acts, from local bands to national performers. The bar's tagline, "the saloon that rocks," reflects their commitment to providing diverse musical experiences, including tribute nights and various genres beyond just country music.

Booking Local Talent
Bobby's approach to booking acts is rooted in community engagement. He actively seeks out local talent and keeps an eye on social media to discover new bands. This dedication to supporting local musicians has fostered a sense of belonging among patrons, many of whom return regularly to enjoy the live music and vibrant atmosphere.

Creating a Community-Oriented Atmosphere

Customer Experience
A key aspect of Sundance Saloon is its community-oriented atmosphere. Bobby and his wife, Angie, who plays a vital role in the business, prioritize customer service and creating a welcoming environment. Angie is a hands-on owner who connects with patrons and staff alike, enhancing the overall experience for everyone who visits.

Family-Friendly Environment
Bobby describes Sundance Saloon as more than just a bar; it’s a community gathering place. Families often come to enjoy the music while their kids play nearby, creating a welcoming environment that feels like a backyard gathering. This sense of community sets Sundance Saloon apart from other venues.

Unique Offerings and Events

Full Tilt Fridays
One of the standout events at Sundance Saloon is "Full Tilt Fridays," where patrons can enjoy country line dancing indoors or watch a live band outside for a $5 cover charge. This fee serves as a filter to ensure that guests are likely to spend money on food and drinks, which is essential for the bar's profitability. Families are welcome, and the atmosphere is designed to be family-friendly.

Music Bingo
Another unique event is "Music Bingo," which has gained popularity in the area. Bobby explains how the game works, emphasizing that it’s a fun and relaxed way for patrons to engage with music while enjoying a night out. Music Bingo brings excitement and camaraderie to the bar, contributing to the overall atmosphere.

Sundance Fest
Looking ahead, Bobby discusses the annual Sundance Fest, which began in 2020 as a way to bring live music back to the community during challenging times. The festival features a lineup of talented bands and serves as a celebration of the bar's outdoor space. Bobby shares excitement about the upcoming summer events, including performances from well-known local acts and tribute bands.

Culinary Delights at Sundance Saloon

Menu Highlights
Bobby discusses the bar's menu, which features classic bar food like mozzarella sticks and their famous "huge ultimate nachos," designed to serve multiple people. He highlights the popularity of their smoked meats, particularly the pork shoulder and brisket, which he smokes on-site. This labor-intensive process has garnered a loyal following, especially for their brisket, which can be enjoyed on nachos or in their signature chicken bourbon brisket burger.

Pickle Shots
A standout feature of Sundance Saloon is their pickle shots, which have become a fan favorite. These shots, made with pickle juice, vodka, and a proprietary blend of spices, have even surpassed sales of popular brands like Tito's vodka. On Sundays, they offer free pickle spears for patrons to enjoy, reminiscent of the old tradition of serving peanuts in bars.

Insights and Reflections

Employee and Customer Relations
Bobby emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment at Sundance Saloon. He and his wife, Angie, work closely with their staff, whom they refer to as family. This close-knit atmosphere translates to a positive experience for customers, many of whom return regularly. The bar has a low employee turnover rate, which is uncommon in the industry, and Bobby attributes this to their respectful treatment of staff and patrons alike.

Continuous Improvement
Bobby shares his commitment to continuous improvement at the bar. He discusses plans for the upcoming summer season, including preparing the patio for outdoor events and booking live bands. Bobby believes in the philosophy of always moving forward, whether through renovations or enhancing the customer experience.

Final Thoughts

Core Values
As the episode wraps up, Bobby reflects on the core values that guide his business: treating people with respect and kindness. He encourages listeners to practice random acts of kindness in their daily lives, reinforcing the idea that small gestures can have a significant impact on others.

Community Engagement
David concludes the episode by inviting listeners to subscribe for more insights into the diverse community of Lake County, encouraging everyone to engage in acts of kindness and support local establishments like the Sundance Saloon.

Conclusion

This episode of "Discovering Lake County" provides an engaging look into the life of Bobby Carlson and the unique experience offered at Sundance Saloon. Through his dedication to live music, community, and customer service, Bobby has transformed the bar into a beloved local destination that continues to thrive. Whether you're a bar owner, music enthusiast, or community builder, the insights shared in this episode offer valuable lessons on creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back for more.