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NEWBERRY — Rachel Dickert has taken a vacant building and turned it into a new bar and restaurant.

Rachel’s Bar, located just across the bridge after S.C. 121 at 2601 Wilson Road, was vacant until Dickert decided to take charge in July to transform it so that people would have a place to gather.

Together with her husband, Dale Dickert, the two had to revamp everything from the outside to the inside which took between four and five months.

“We (my husband and I) did everything,” she said, pointing out the assistance of a dear friend. “A friend helped out with painting. Everyday though I find something else to do.”

Painting the inside had to be done along with replacing wood, awning, roof work, plumbing and also some walls were knocked down for functionality, she adds.

Dickert also says they added a security system at the front because that is important. Dale Dickert works security when the business is open. There is also a camera to see who is around the building and Dickert likes to lock the doors at all times.

“We do have security officers volunteer,” said Dickert. “One thing I won’t put up with is misbehavior. I won’t think twice about calling the police.”

Dickert added that she did talk with the sheriff’s department, who gave her some pointers.

Dickert’s decided to open the bar and restaurant because “I thought it was a good way of bringing the community and people together. It’s open to the public. There are games such as pool and corn hole and also karaoke.

“I want young, old, white, black, whatever to come in and say this is a nice, comfortable place. All of the people that have come in say they feel at home,” Dickert said.

Currently, the bar is open on Fridays and Saturdays because she does have another job in the medical field. Also, they do not open on Sunday because although the Sunday alcohol sale passed for the county, she cannot afford the license at the moment.

So she’s keeping her business days to a minimum right now and working on making improvements weekly.

In addition to being the owner and having another job, she is also the bartender, DJ and cook. Her son-in-law helps out when he can and her husband is in the security booth.

Aside from all the work, she says, “I do have fun, I get to sing karaoke and dance (with the customers).”

Dickert says that “whoever comes in her comes on their own” signifying that she welcomes all who might wander in.

Note: Rachel’s Bar is the new name that Dickert named the bar. It was originally called Solo-Vino Bar. There is also a Facebook page for the bar/restaurant.