Popular food truck Dad Bod Dishes is expanding by opening a bar in what was formerly home to Bright Light Brewing Company in downtown Fayetteville.

Owners Keith and Ashley Bowen were born and raised in Fayetteville and are excited about this growth. The couple both come from families with an affinity for cooking and appreciation for different cultures’ cuisines. Slowly, cooking for friends and family began to develop into a passion project that carried over into a business. 

“I ended up cooking for a famous tattoo artist in Fayetteville named Jonathan Dump, minutes after eating my food, he asked me ‘why don’t you have a food truck?’ That was the kick I needed, so the very next day me and my wife started hunting for  a food truck. We found one, stripped it ourselves and rebuilt it ourselves installing all new equipment,” shared Keith. 

The food truck celebrated its grand opening in March of this year and has garnered a loyal following thanks to mouthwatering menu items like smoked brisket, smoked chicken, loaded fries, mac and cheese and more. 

“What makes this such a great opportunity is the space is already an established brewery, which means it’s pretty much a turnkey operation; other than it not being outfitted to serve spirited beverages—we are ready to go. We’re excited to make this space our, but we’re more focused on getting the doors open sooner than later; therefore, our grand opening will be November 15,” shared Keith. 

Keith added that they have a full ABC permit and will be serving local craft beers, domestic beers, wines, liquor and eventually adding specialty cocktails. The food truck will be a permanent fixture there and will serve food during the daytime. The atmosphere will be family and pet friendly. On weekends beginning around 9 p.m. they intend to curate more of a party vibe with a variety of music and dancing.  

“We love to host people, entertain people, and express our passion in food and entertainment with great energy, creativity and enthusiasm. So opening a bar is giving us a larger platform to serve our community, and loyal patrons who have found us through the food truck,” explained Keith.

Dad Bod Dive Bar is scheduled to open Nov. 15 at 444 W. Russell St. in downtown Fayetteville.