One of Shreveport’s most beloved lounges has found a new owner, new décor and new focus.  

Opened in 1963 at 3044 Youree Drive near the intersection of Youree and Kings Highway, the iconic Carousel, last in business as Fat Cats, has been given a fresh look and life by new owner Guy Linacre. 

Linacre’s pedigree includes 25 years working in sales management in the wholesale liquor business. When Linacre signed a long-term lease for the Carousel building, he renamed it The Round Bar befitting the famous round bar that still revolves. The Round Bar officially opened in December 2013 and has already developed a very loyal group of regulars.

In addition to his decades of management in wholesale liquor and beer distribution, Linacre has earned credits to become a Guild Sommieler for his knowledge of wine and also the Cicerone designation for his expertise in beer. 

He also set out to make some changes in the landmark lounge beyond the name change. He took out all the booths on the lower level. In their place along the back wall in the lower section is a draft bar that boasts 60 beers on draft. The Round Bar also offers another about 50 other bottled bars available. 

“That is twice what most bars offer. This includes 14 Indian Pale beers,” Linacre said.

In addition to the draft bar and the cosmetic upgrades, Linacre has also given the lounge a new roof and new air conditioning. This last installation provides an ionizer system to help clean the air. He also installed two smoke-eaters. 

Fifteen flat-screen television screens will bring patrons Monday Night Football when those games are being held. Live music featuring solo or double acts will be presented each Thursday from 8 p.m. until. Plans are in the works for a monthly songwriter night with three local songwriters rotating in performance of their best original works. This will be called “Songwriters in the Round … Bar” in homage to the famous songwriter Mecca in Nashville which created the Writers in the Round.

General Manager Jimmy Beebe brings over 20 years’ experience as a bartender to his position with The Round Bar.

“This is a really unique venue,” Beebe said.

On the horizon very shortly, The Round Bar will offer bar food like meat pies, shrimp pies, muffelletas, boudin balls and pizzas. 

Monday through Thursdays, Linacre will offer “Endless Wine Night,” featuring Canyon Road wines.

“For $12, each individual patron can have as many bottles as they can drink,” Beebe said. 

“There will be frequent flights of beer where patrons can sample four beers in 4-ounce sizes,” Linacre said.  

“Then on Wednesdays, from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m., you can participate in karaoke hosted by Reno and Scott.,” Linacre said. 

The Round Bar also features video poker and one regulation pool table on the lower level.

Hours are 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday. The Round Bar will host happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday Monday through Friday with drink specials including pint specials. A cover charge may apply on nights with live music.