Update: The opening of H8ters was postponed, according to an update on the On-After Pub & Grub Facebook page. The company is currently looking at next weekend as a possibility for the grand opening.

On April 23, H8ters, an extension of local bar and grill On After, will open its doors. 

The location of the new restaurant is 2926 Fort Bragg Road. Since acquiring the building, Joseph “Bear” Dewberry has taken everything inside out and rebuilt it to showcase his vision of what H8ters is about. 

“We are a little different than your average sports bar and grill just because we are very vocal about the things we support in the community,” said Alie Precore, chief of operations. “Some of these include our law enforcement; we’re huge on autism awareness and we dedicate the entire month of April to that; we host fundraisers. H8ters will continue with that, but it is its own space.” 

While On After is more family-oriented, H8ters will tend to focus more on a nightlife experience as an adult pool and billiards hall full of entertainment and food with a Cajun twist open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

“Some of the entertainment at H8ters will be similar to On After, such as karaoke nights. We will continue to do pool and dart tournaments along with pool and dart leagues, open mic nights, and live music,” Precore added. “Bear is very excited about the food. He is incorporating his own take on Cajun cuisine with things he has picked up over the years.” 

At H8ters, pets on leashes will be allowed on the premises.

According to Precore, the name of the restaurant came from Bear putting a positive spin on criticism. 

“Bear likes to welcome people with humor in hopes to dissipate any conflict or just to bring light in,” Precore said. “With the name, it’s kind of his response to criticism that's been thrown his way.”

Bear's determination and passion for the community reflects greatly in his businesses, and this new addition to Fayetteville welcomes all.