Name of Business: The Udder Place

Type of Business: Bar

Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Location: 110 West Main Street

History of Business: “I love this bar/ It’s my kind of place/ Just walkin’ through the front door/ Puts a big smile on my face.”

Toby Keith sang it famously in his song “I Love This Bar” and soon locals may be humming along as they are getting a taste of Turlock’s first country bar right in the downtown. But, the new western establishment isn’t a hole in the wall place — it’s the Udder Place.

In a humorous play on words, the Udder Place opened its doors in the former Vintage Lounge location on West Main Street on Wednesday. While the bar is less likely to draw on the crowd of “thirsty hitchhikers” that Keith so famously sings about, it is probable that adults will enjoy sidling up to the custom stained bar to enjoy one of many beers on draft and craft drinks available.

 “We wanted to create a warm, safe environment for people to come and have fun,” said co-owner Jerry Powell.

After originally considering opening up a wine bar at the downtown space, Powell and his partner Shayne Heine decided to tap into the agricultural environment of Turlock and the Valley to offer residents a unique twist on the country bar: western but tasteful.

“We have so many friends in the agricultural business and we thought it made sense to have a fun, safe environment where people can come have a drink, listen to country music, and enjoy themselves. It’s lacking and there’s a need for it,” explained Powell in October when he announced the project. 

The duo kept it local when furnishing the space with Heine providing cow hides to accent the walls and table tops which are actually converted barrels. Sew Creative on Lander Avenue framed the cow hides that hang on the walls and the interior was painted by local company Crown Painting, who also stained the bar with a new, glossy finish. Turlock company Mann Electric installed the crafty lighting fixtures and “All of the wood used came from a church in San Francisco that was built in 1906,” said Powell who sourced it from a company in North Fork.

With televisions showcasing the latest games and a range of beers on tap including Lagunitas, Blue Moon, Pabst Blue Ribbon, 1554, Coors Light, Bud Light, and 805, the Udder Place is the new bar in town “to love.”

Business Specialty: Clean, warm country theme.