Rock the CabahTEXTBOBOmBIN,? Rockin’ the Casbah with Rick
Ashley L. Lay
The Reflector
For many students, the Mississippi State University experience includes sporting events, term papers and hanging out with friends at Rick’s CafZ.
Rick Welch, owner of Rick’s CafZ and the Blue Parrot, graduated from MSU in 1991 and worked as an engineer in North Carolina. Welch decided to come back to MSU to get his MBA, but soon realized he wanted to go into business for himself.
“I actually use the education I got in engineering and math more when running my own business than I did when I was an engineer,” Welch said.
In 1993 Welch bought and remodeled Choices, an old bar in
Starkville, with money he had saved. On Jan. 10, 1994, he renamed it Rick’s CafZ Americain. Welch also says that with time and everyone’s continued support, he hopes to add new bathrooms, more air conditioning and other improvements throughout the bar.
“Rick busts his butt to make his place better,” bartender Jessica Hollis said. “He started from the ground up and has put his money right back into it to keep it being the best it can be.”
Since 1994, Welch has been on a very limited budget. He has re-invested just about every dollar he has made trying to improve his business. Welch is used to 16-18 hour days but says that because he is doing something that he loves, it helps the time fly. Playboy even listed Rick’s as one of America’s best college bars.
One of the great things Rick’s is known for is the bands that Welch brings in. Some of those include big time acts like Saliva, Sister Hazel, 311, Edwin McCain and Better Than Ezra. Blue Tattoo, Splendid Chaos, The 17th Floor and U.S. are a few of the favorites that come to Starkville few times each year to jam on the Rick’s stage.
“If there wasn’t a Rick’s, MSU students would get cheated out of a lot of great music,” bartender Eric Hinton said. “Where else in Starkville can you listen to good music three nights a week with the best bands?”
Welch researches each band before they play at Rick’s. He searches the Internet, asks employees, customers, bar owners, and other musicians about bands to get the information he needs. Welch believes there is no better feeling than having a great crowd come see a band that he worked really hard to get.
“Every band is different, and just because you don’t like a band doesn’t mean they aren’t good. Rick tries to have something for everyone each and every week,” Hinton said.
“The drink specials, the music and the atmosphere make Rick’s the best place to go in town,” Joey Niolet, broadcasting student and doorman at Rick’s said. “You can’t beat it.”
Besides having rocking bands and great drink specials, Welch has been giving back to the public. His priorities have been getting involved with the community and helping organizations raise money for great causes.
Over the years he and his employees helped local organizations raise over a quarter of a million dollars for others.
“That’s what it’s all about-caring about people, helping them and being a part of the community,” Welch said. “I love Starkville and MSU.”
Welch has been able to meet a lot of people through what he does. Countless numbers of customers have become friends and continue to come visit when they are in town. They may have a drink or some food, but mostly share what is going on in their lives and want to know how Welch is doing.
Past and present employees say they feel like they are family. Some employees have graduated and come back to Starkville to work with Welch. Hollis ensures that Welch is the best boss. She says he works hard and makes sure everyone is getting their stuff done. The employees even hang out when they are not working and often travel to Tuscaloosa to the Jupiter Bar and Grill that Welch recently opened with a friend.
“I honestly have the best part time job. I have a good time, listen to awesome bands and get paid for it,” Hinton said.
Welch admits that he is lucky to have an impressive group of employees and great customers. He said he feels honored that people tell him Rick’s is a part of going to MSU.
Students can look forward to the 17th Floor, Acoustic Syndicate, Splendid Chaos, Forehead, Squint and others to perform this semester.
“Rick’s is the place to have fun, be treated fairly, shake it and
not have to act like you’re in a beauty pageant,” Hollis said.
For more information on Welch, his employees, drink specials and bands check out the Web site at www.rickscafe.net.