Downtown Starkville will soon look a little more like the French Quarter.
State Theater and International Bistro is adding a marquee balcony that will overlook Main Street.
The balcony will be completed in January.
“The owners of State Theatre in the 1930s gave me photographs of how the theater looked back then,” owner Dave Hood said. “I want to resemble this style and make the balcony a dining area and a place where bands can play music.”
Hood’s fantasy is to use the balcony as a place where bands can take a break from the road and play acts in Starkville on the balcony. He said the movie “Empire Records”‘ style is what he is aiming at. In the movie, a crowd watches a band play from the street below.
The marquee balcony will also be a dining area and full service bar.
“We think it will bring more of a dinner crowd,” said bartender Dylon Rufe. “The balcony has a great view of Starkville’s skyline and it’s a great place to enjoy good food and a bit of fresh air.”
A busy weekend night draws about 350 to 400 people to the Bistro.
“The expansion upstairs will bring bigger crowds in to the bar to have a rocking good time,” freshman Elliott Sharpe said.