Since opening Dec. 13, Daddy Real’s The Place has been growing its name throughout Indianapolis and Hamilton County with each concert booked, meal eaten and drink served. The Place is owned and operated by Daddy Real Entertainment, a local entertainment company overseeing several record labels, recording studios, a limousine company and now a fully-fledged restaurant and bar.
“Roger Upchurch, the owner of Daddy Real entertainment, wanted a place for his acts to perform and launch their careers,” said Jackie Tucker, promotions manager for Daddy Real.
Combining the dining and bar experience with a musical venue works to give the musical acts booked each week additional exposure they would not receive otherwise. At The Place, audiences are attracted by the food and drinks foremost, allowing them to become fans of acts they would not have sought out on their own.
While some Daddy Real artists are starting their career here, Carl Storie and the Faith Band are using The Place to restart their already strong musical career. Faith released five rock albums between 1973 and 1978, peaking with the success of their hit song, “Dancin’ Shoes,” which was later covered by Nigel Olsson. It would become a Top 20 hit that year. Now back in the studio with Daddy Real, the Faith Band is looking to release its sixth album this year.
One popular band is not enough to sustain an entire venue. In order to keep the music flowing, The Place can’t book Daddy Real artists exclusively.
“We book a lot of the artists on our label to perform, which is to be expected, but we also have a lot of outside acts come in as well,” said Tucker.
The Place books a numberof musicians in a wide variety of styles, varying from classic rock to West Coast hip-hop. Acousticacts are also booked to perform during the day for lunch and afternoon diners.
“A lot of people don’t know it, but we offer lunch as well, and even have live acoustic music on Friday afternoons,” said Tucker.
While Daddy Real Entertainment’s primary focus may be on its acts and music, The Place’s primary focus is on the dining experience and changing its customers’ perceptions of what a “club” atmosphere has to be.
“We want people to know we have awesome, awesome food first and foremost, and not just for dinners on the weekend,” said Tucker.“More than a live music venue, we are a place to come to for really great food all throughout the week.”
The Place’s menu includes all of the American standards and a few new inventions. Stripped away from everything else, the restaurant would stand up admirably against its competitors, but given the inclusion of a full bar (separated nicely from the main performance area), a lounge, a dance floor and a great sound system, it really can be as much or as little as each person wants it to be.
Simply enjoy a good meal and good company by coming for an early dinner or lunch during the week. Show up late on the weekends for a concert environment. Sit in the bar and forego the musical experience entirely. Dance with your friends and relax on the lounge’s overstuffed leather couches. With all that going for it, The Place may just be the place for your next evening out.
The Place is located at 3855 E. 96th St., Indianapolis. For show and dining information, please call 218-3951 or visit www.daddyrealstheplace.com. Cover charges vary. The Dugan Brothers will be performing Friday from 6 – 8 p.m.