Restaurant owner hits hurdles with city after building music stage

The Dark Star Saloon is known for its straight-from-the-farm to the table philosophy when it comes to its food.

It’s also known for its dining room covered in memorabilia celebrating the 1960s, with nods to bands like “The Who” and “The Grateful Dead.” In fact, the name of the saloon is taken from a Grateful Dead song released in 1968.

The Dark Star Saloon, at 303 Fauquier Street in Downtown Fredericksburg, also wants to be known for live music and other events. It has requested permission from the city to do just that.

The saloon wants to put up signs and wood fencing to surround an already built stage at the restaurant, as well as add a bar in the rear of the restaurant in order to accommodate live events.

At a February meeting of the city’s Architectural Review Board (ARB), Dark Star owner Krystopher Scott managed to get approval for the fencing and signage. The board decided at this same meeting that they would tackle questions of the stage and the outside bar.

The stage may be an issue since Scott says he was unaware of the need to get permission from the city to build. The stage was built upon an old pre-existing patio that was modified, and Scott acknowledges that the stage will not be approved not just because of the lack of permits but that it may fall short of Fredericksburg’s existing regulations for sure structures.

“It’s been a long journey, I’ve been doing this by myself, and I’ve had to learn as I go. I just wanted to have a place for live bands to play, to hold yoga classes outdoors, or to have comedians perform,” commented Scott.

There was also resistance from some of his neighbors regarding noise complaints as well as concerns of retroactively approving additions such as a backyard bar and stage, according to the February ARB meeting minutes.

According to that document, a neighbor claimed that Dark Star was serving alcohol without the proper permits. The minutes note Scott did not speak up to defend himself, however, he tells Potomac Local News the allegation is false. The restaurant has an active beer and wine permit from the Virginia ABC, he adds.

As it stands, the saloon may have to wait a bit longer for final approval. Because of the current coronavirus pandemic, the ARB process is currently on hold until the board can meet in a regular public session.