Last Updated on April 30, 2026 by Justin Jones

The Bourbon Club of Arkansas has officially announced Mash & Vine Market, Volstead Vault Speakeasy, and Black Sheep Bistro, a three-part hospitality concept opening inside River Market Tower at 409 East Third Street in Downtown Little Rock. The location places the concept in one of Little Rock’s most active dining and nightlife districts, just steps from the River Market entertainment corridor.

Address:
409 E. Third Street
Little Rock, AR 72201

The new concept will take over the former Stratton’s Market space and transform it into a whiskey-focused destination combining retail spirits, premium dining, cocktail culture, and Bourbon Club of Arkansas membership experiences.

For Arkansas whiskey enthusiasts, this may become one of the most important hospitality openings of 2026.

The project is a partnership between Jeremiah and Rachel Cotner, owners of The Puppy Community, and Gary and Erin Penna, longtime Little Rock residents.

⚠️ All concept images are courtesy of Gary Penna and are used with permission. Any reuse requires direct authorization from Gary Penna. ⚠️

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🧱 Project Timeline for Mash & Vine Market, Black Sheep Bistro, and Volstead Vault Speakeasy

The project will launch in three phases.

Phase 1

Late May 2026

• Mash & Vine Market opens
• Limited inventory launch
• Demolition begins on adjoining space

Phase 2

Late August to Early September 2026

• Black Sheep Bistro opens
• Volstead Vault Speakeasy opens

Phase 3

Mid-November 2026

• Final Mash & Vine Market remodel completed

This phased approach allows the market to begin serving customers while the full build-out continues.

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🏬 Mash and Vine Market Retail Experience in Little Rock

Mash & Vine Market will be the first business to open as part of the new Downtown Little Rock project.

Located at 409 East Third Street inside River Market Tower, Mash & Vine Market will serve as an upscale bodega featuring curated spirits, wine, beer, and provisions.

According to the official release, the market will begin operating in late May 2026 with a limited inventory while the larger project continues construction.

Planned offerings include:

• Premium provisions
• Fine wine
• Craft ales
• Curated spirits
• Provisions and grocery items
• Bourbon Club of Arkansas barrel picks
• Bourbon Club of Arkansas merchandise
• Tasting experiences

Mash & Vine Market will also serve as the central pickup location for future Bourbon Club of Arkansas barrel releases.

That marks a major operational change for the club.

🏬 Mash & Vine Market Will Open in Phases

The Mash & Vine Market rollout will happen in phases.

Phase one begins in late May, when the market opens with a limited inventory.

The final remodel and full refresh of the market space is expected to be completed by mid-November 2026.

This phased opening allows the business to begin serving customers while construction continues on the adjoining restaurant and speakeasy spaces.

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🍽️ Black Sheep Bistro Bringing Gourmet Lunch and Upscale Evening Dining to Little Rock

The Black Sheep Bistro adds a full dining experience to the River Market Tower concept.

During lunch hours, the restaurant will operate as a gourmet sandwich shop.

In the evening, Black Sheep Bistro will transition into an upscale European-inspired dining experience with an open kitchen.

Executive Chef Michael Penna will lead the culinary side.

Chef Penna brings more than 30 years of culinary experience and studied at the New England Culinary Institute.

He also trained under Ming Tsai at Blue Ginger.

The restaurant will focus on:

• Gourmet sandwiches during lunch
• Upscale dinner service in the evening
• Open kitchen concept
• Locally sourced ingredients
• International ingredients and flavors
• Curated wine and whiskey pairings

Black Sheep Bistro is expected to open in late August or early September 2026.

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🕯️ Volstead Vault Speakeasy and Whiskey Lounge in Little Rock

Experience the design: Watch the Volstead Vault Speakeasy 3D architectural animation below.

The Volstead Vault Speakeasy is expected to become one of the most unique whiskey destinations in The Volstead Vault Speakeasy (VVSE) will bring a whiskey-first cocktail experience to Downtown Little Rock.

Curated by Gary Penna, the speakeasy will feature one of Arkansas’ largest whiskey selections, premium cocktails, curated pours, and specialty mocktails.

Planned offerings include:

• Extensive whiskey library
• Premium cocktails
• State-recognized mixologists
• Specialty mocktails
• Full food menu access from Black Sheep Bistro

The name pays tribute to the Volstead Act, the federal law that enforced Prohibition and helped create America’s underground speakeasy culture.

Arkansas itself enacted statewide prohibition in 1915, making the historical connection especially fitting.

Volstead Vault Speakeasy is expected to open alongside Black Sheep Bistro in late August or early September 2026.

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🏆 Gary Penna Brings National Whiskey Recognition to the Volstead Vault Speakeasy

Gary Penna brings significant whiskey credentials into the project.

According to the official release, the Bourbon Club of Arkansas is recognized as:

• A two-time national champion whiskey club
• Winner of the ASCOT Awards Best Single Barrel Whiskey
• Winner of the 2026 Bourbon Games for Best Whiskey Blend

Penna also serves as a judge in an international spirits competition featuring more than 3,000 spirits.

Those credentials position the Volstead Vault Speakeasy as a serious whiskey destination from day one.

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🥃 Bourbon Club of Arkansas Headquarters and Member Experience

The location will also serve as the official headquarters for the Bourbon Club of Arkansas.

This will create a central hub for events, releases, and member engagement.

Planned features include:

• Barrel releases and bottle pickups in one location
• Educational whiskey events
• Paired tasting experiences
• Member nights twice per month
• Discounts for members
• Exclusive membership cards
• Barrel picks on display
• Barrel picks available for tasting

This structure transforms the space into a community-driven whiskey destination rather than a standard retail store.

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🧾 Full Statement from Gary Penna (Bourbon Club of Arkansas)

Below is the full announcement as shared by Gary Penna in the BCA Facebook group on April 4th 2026:

For those who missed the google meet last night and for the video without audio.
Drawings represent artist’s conceptual drawing , final product may vary slightly.

Several years ago, when I started this club, I had a clear vision for where I wanted it to eventually go. We needed a place to call home. A place where we could all gather and enjoy the company of like-minded whiskey aficionados. Additionally, a venue for hosting dedicated, long-term events. For the past several months, Jeremiah Cotner and I have been working and partnered on a solution, and today we are going to share it with you.

Later this summer, we will be opening a Market/Spirits, Lunch and Dinner Bistro, and a Speakeasy. I have included mock-ups of what we are going for when it is completed. The location will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Mash and Vine Market ™️ and Spirits store. We will now be a one-stop shop for all future BCA products, merchandise, and release parties. No more coming to my house for pick-ups!! There will be a tasting bar in the Market for free samples of products we carry. Limited, of course, by Arkansas regulations of size and quantity per person per day. However, next door at the speakeasy, during business hours, will be a full tasting bar featuring more than just current products. If you have ever been to Evergreen Liquors in Kentucky, that is your guide. Our pricing on pours will be the best in the state, and we will have the best selections. This will be open midday to right before dinner service begins. Hours TBA. We will carry a wide variety of products at the market. As we get closer, more details will follow. The spirit store will carry a wide variety of spirits, fine wine and beer as well as BCA barrel picks.

Black Sheep Bistro™️ . Teaming up with my brother, Michael Penna, a gourmet chef with over 30 years of experience, we will be opening a lunch-and-dinner bistro. This establishment will be open for lunch service, serving gourmet sandwiches at affordable prices. In the evening, it will shift to white-cloth table service, serving fine dining once again at affordable prices. BCA has a reputation for excellence and consistency; this trend will continue into the endeavor as well. It will feature an open kitchen concept with unparalleled food, wine, and whiskey selections curated by the state’s top sommeliers and whiskey aficionados.

Volstead Vault Speakeasy ™️. Named for the very act that created speakeasys from the shadows of Prohibition. The VVSE will feature the state’s largest selection of spirits, wine, and other libations. I have asked Abe Wyly to join me and together we will personally curate the finest whiskey library this state has ever seen. Abe, as most of you know, ran the Capitol Bar in downtown Little Rock for several years and at one point had the finest selection you could find. We will continue that trend. Pricing and selection will be what you expect from BCA: highly affordable offering the best library of bottles. The space will be intimate and cozy, everything you would expect from a 1920s era speakeasy. We will have world-class mixologists making one-of-a-kind drinks as well as your usual favorites. We will also have a fantastic mocktail menu. Abe and I will be live-streaming within the next several weeks, with some get-togethers where we showcase what we will be offering. Food will, of course, be available in the VVSE as well.

Membership privileges: What can you expect for our members? While this business will be fully open to the general public, we will have reserved days for our members. We have spoken of this in the past about charging yearly dues. This is the way forward.

We will have two categories: a basic one and a VIP one. Both will earn you a membership card. As we get closer, I will share the final costs and privileges for each membership level.

However, here is a general gist of what we are planning.

DIAMOND LEVEL:

-Basic yearly cost 60-70.

-The only way to get access to BCA picks.

-BCA only nights at least once a month for all paying members and one guest.

-Access to all merchandise at 10% off.

-Second access to events behind Founders.

-An exclusive Silver Metal Diamond membership card with your name and club number.

FOUNDER’S LEVELl:

-Around 100 a month.

-Like Diamond Level, the only other way to get access to picks

-BCA only nights once a week. (Most likely Tuesdays)

-Access to all merchandise at 10% off

-Auto allocation tier system for all barrels that require a

randomizer. Like we did on the Doc Swinson.

-One free flight per month of selected whiskeys curated by the staff.

-First access to BCA exclusive events.

-An exclusive Black Metal Founders card with your name and club number.

-Embroidered BCA tailored lounge jacket to be worn at the speakeasy and events. It will be kept at the speakeasy for you to wear when you visit, and after 12 months as a Founding member, it will be yours to keep. You may wear them at all events as our founding members of the new facility.

This is the quick, down-and-dirty. More detailed information will follow in the coming weeks. For now, if you have any questions that weren’t answered above, please ask them below.

We plan to hold several soft openings with BCA members before opening to the general public, to help us address any deficiencies and to gather both positive and negative feedback. Location will be announced in the coming weeks. It will be in central LR is all I am at liberty to say right now.

Welcome to the next evolution!

Cheers

Gary and Jeremiah.

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🧾 Full Project Details for Mash and Vine Market, Black Sheep Bistro, and Volstead Vault Speakeasy

A companion graphic released alongside the announcement provided additional details about the full concept.

Highlights include:

• 2,800 square feet of retail space
• Mash and Vine Market and Spirits
• Tasting bar
• Full grocery market and liquor store
• Bourbon Club of Arkansas merchandise
• Black Sheep Bistro
• Gourmet sandwich shop and upscale dining service
• Seating for up to 40 with backroom
• Volstead Vault Speakeasy
• High-end whiskey lounge and full bar
• Private event space
• Rentable venue for pairing events
• Bourbon Club of Arkansas headquarters
• Barrel releases and educational events
• Paired tasting experiences
• Member nights and discounts
• Exclusive membership cards
• Barrel picks on display and available for tasting

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🔍 Why Mash and Vine Market, Black Sheep Bistro, and Volstead Vault Speakeasy Matter for Arkansas

This project represents a major evolution for whiskey and dining culture in Arkansas.

Until now, most activity has centered around:

• Private barrel picks
• Social media groups
• Individual store releases

Mash and Vine Market changes that model by creating a physical destination that brings all of those elements together.

Because of this, it has the potential to become one of the most important whiskey and hospitality hubs in the state.

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🗓️ What Comes Next for Mash and Vine Market and Black Sheep Bistro

Several key details are still expected soon:

• Exact Little Rock location
• Official opening date
• Membership structure
• Event scheduling

Once those details are announced, interest is expected to grow quickly across Central Arkansas.

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🧠 Final Thoughts on Little Rock’s New Whiskey and Dining Destination

Mash and Vine Market, Black Sheep Bistro, and the Volstead Vault Speakeasy represent more than a new business opening.

Instead, they reflect a shift toward a more connected and experience-driven approach to whiskey and dining in Arkansas.

By combining retail, food, education, and exclusive access, this project has the potential to redefine how people experience bourbon in Little Rock and beyond.

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💳 Bourbon Club of Arkansas Membership Levels and Pricing

New details shared by Gary Penna provide insight into how membership will work for the Mash and Vine Market and Volstead Vault Speakeasy.

The Bourbon Club of Arkansas plans to introduce two primary membership tiers, each offering different levels of access and benefits.

🥃 Diamond Level Membership

The Diamond Level is expected to serve as the base membership tier.

Key details include:

• Estimated yearly cost between $60 and $70
• Required for access to Bourbon Club of Arkansas barrel picks
• Monthly member-only nights with one guest allowed
• 10% discount on merchandise
• Second priority access to events behind Founder’s Level
• Personalized metal membership card

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🥇 Founder’s Level Membership

The Founder’s Level is positioned as the premium tier with expanded access and benefits.

Planned features include:

• Estimated cost of around $100 per month
• Weekly member-only nights, likely on Tuesdays
• Access to all barrel picks alongside Diamond members
• Priority access to exclusive events
• Automatic allocation tier system for certain barrel releases
• One free curated whiskey flight per month
• 10% merchandise discount
• Personalized black metal membership card
• Exclusive embroidered BCA lounge jacket after 12 months

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🔑 Membership Required for Barrel Picks

One of the most important details is that access to Bourbon Club of Arkansas barrel picks will require a paid membership.

This marks a significant shift from previous BCA operations and signals a more structured approach tied to the new physical location.

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📍 No Membership Cap (For Now)

At this time, there is no limit on the number of Diamond or Founder’s Level memberships.

However, that could change as demand increases closer to the opening of Mash and Vine Market in Little Rock.

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❓ FAQ: Bourbon Club of Arkansas Speakeasy and Market