312 Main St, Malvern, IA 51551
Grand Opening
Despite Mezzo hosting a few soft openings before everything was fully completed, the official grand opening took place on September 29, 2023.
Our Story.
The Reason
Quincy was looking to create a great addition to the town of Malvern and its growing dining, art, and music scene. A quality location to be able to bring the community together under one roof. Of course, bourbon and cocktails are the focus of Mezzo, but the desire is to bring friends and family to a central location and facilitate community interaction.
The Goal
The goal was to create a social and relaxed atmosphere with great drinks—a hub for people who wanted to enjoy social drinking and good company, not to drown their sorrows. Almost every day, especially in the beginning, someone would pull him aside to thank him for providing a place where they could converse or relax with a drink. While the original concept was more cocktail-oriented, the bourbon has been so popular that he decided to focus more on it while still offering an extensive cocktail menu.
The Name
Quincy Hunt, the owner of Mezzo: Bourbon & Cocktail Bar, chose the name "Mezzo" for its simplicity and memorability. He wanted a single-word name that would be easy for everyone to remember.
The bar is physically located in the middle of the Wabash Trace, the middle of the county, and the center of the community. "In Mezzo" is an Italian phrase that means "in the middle" or "in the midst." It conveys a sense of being at the center of things, surrounded by activity or situated between two points. This phrase aligns well with the concept of the bar, emphasizing its position as a central, welcoming place for people to gather.
The Backstory
One regret of his previous business was that Quicy had minimal experience in the industry before starting his own business. So this time around he decided to work at other locations to learn the ins and outs of running a bar. For most of a year, he worked at multiple bars in the area, including a bar in town (The Hangout), where he learned many of the daily duties of bar ownership. He considered buying and remodeling that location for some months. He also worked at Parea (a wonderful cocktail bar on the square in neighboring Glenwood, IA). He learned much about the cocktail bar business from his friends, the Kalambokidis family> With these experiences he decided to create a blend of those bars and the nearby Keg Creek Brewery. A combination of cocktails & bourbon, a selection of craft and common beers along with games including free pool, as well as foosball, cards, and board games.
The unique opportunities in Malvern, already made it a main target for him to open a location such as this. But when the building became available, directly next to the stage for the Malvern Concert Series, and a block from the Wabash Trace, he jumped at the opportunity. This location allowed the blending of the live music and cyclist-friendly atmosphere with his pre-existing goals. Adding a selection of lighter drinks, seltzers, and ciders for the warm months of cycling and the Summer Concert Series, the end result of Mezzo sprang to life.
The Future
The unique opportunities in Malvern, already made it a main target for him to open a location such as this. But when the building became available, directly next to the stage for the Malvern Concert Series, and a block from the Wabash Trace, he jumped at the opportunity. This location allowed the blending of the live music and cyclist-friendly atmosphere with his pre-existing goals. Adding a selection of lighter drinks, seltzers, and ciders for the warm months of cycling and the Summer Concert Series, the end result of Mezzo sprang to life.
I think my bourbon collection is about the right size (around 40 different bourbons) but plan to rotate certain varieties in and out. I don’t see expanding the food offerings beyond smaller snack options, as I believe in focusing on what we do well. I specialize in drinks and atmosphere, leaving the food to neighboring restaurants (Salty Heifer Cafe and Classic Cafe) and having an open-door policy if you want to bring their food in and have a drink. Future upgrades would include an improved sound system, more seating & amenities, and adding activities like darts.”
*Quincy does not claim ownership of the Malvern Concert Series. Much of the creation and funding is thanks to Malvern Bank and Zack Jones.
A Final Word
“In a nutshell, Mezzo offers a relaxed atmosphere with a wide selection of great drinks. We focus on community, music, and the Wabash Trace, providing games and spaces where people can have fun and actually hear each other's conversations. Our educated and interactive staff ensures a welcoming experience. With outdoor seating for the warmer months, we collaborate with other dynamic local businesses and individuals, embrace Malvern’s surprising art scene, and offer great food and activities. As Malvern's population grows and demographics change with new schools and developments, Mezzo gives people another reason to appreciate living in this vibrant small Iowa town.” - Quincy Hunt
