Full Throttle Saloon Opening 'Boutique Distillery' In Estes Park

ESTES PARK, Colo. (CBS4) -- A biker bar infamous for hosting some of the wildest celebrations during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota is bringing its signature brand to Colorado. Michael Ballard, the owner of the Full Throttle Saloon, is setting up shop in Estes Park.

392973 46: Motorcycles surround the Full Throttle Saloon, which claims to be the world''s biggest biker bar, during the 61st annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, August 11, 2001, in Sturgis, SD. The Full Throttle, in its second year, is only open during the rally. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

But Ballard says, unlike what you may have seen at the bar in his reality show, this will be a family-friendly business.

STURGIS, SD - AUGUST 07: People cheer during a concert at the Full Throttle Saloon during the 80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on August 7, 2020 in Sturgis, South Dakota. While the rally usually attracts around 500,000 people, officials estimate that more than 250,000 people may still show up to this year's festival despite the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images)

In a Facebook Live streamed from downtown Estes Park last week, Ballard announced he'd purchased the property on Elkhorn Avenue that is currently home to Bob and Tony's Pizza -- and plans to open a "boutique distillery."

Posted by Full Throttle Saloon on Friday, January 22, 2021

Ballard said the boutique will sell his line of moonshine, whiskey and vodka, as well as branded clothes and souvenirs, sauces, jams and jellies, and even scented candles.

Ballard said he's looking to hire managers and employees for the new venture.

In a separate video streamed on Thursday, Ballard clarified that he would not be getting rid of Bob and Tony's Pizza.

"We are keeping Bob and Tony's pizzeria, it's going to stay there, we're not closing that up. It's a great business, it's doing good. It's been a great staple of the community, it makes money, so I'm going to keep Bob and Tony's pizza," Ballard said.

Ballard said they also make hand sanitizer -- and will be donating some to schools and churches and charity groups in Estes Park that might need it.

'Full Throttle Saloon' was a reality TV show that ran for five seasons on TruTV from 2009-2015.

 

 

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