After years of experience owning and successfully expanding a thriving business at Chrysalis Day Spa in Cornerstone Shopping Center, local entrepreneur Cathy Caver sought out another ambitious venture and began preparations for a second spa -- one that came with a few hoops to jump through prior to opening up shop.
After Caver discovered an opportune and thriving location for her new up-and-coming oasis of relaxation at 325 Ouachita Ave., the California native encountered some minor obstacles due to the layout of the structure and had to plan accordingly.
While in the midst of her latest undertaking and the prolonged restoration of Caver's recent endeavor, a new notion took flight approximately eight months ago and one of Hot Springs' newest hot spots, Splash Wine Bar, has brought new life to the heart of Hot Springs.
"I bought this building with the intention of opening nothing but a spa, like a second location (for Chrysalis)," Caver said. The section of the building now known as Splash Wine Bar "was going to be the waiting room of the spa, but there is a foot and a half step-down, and I'm going to have to have handicap ramps in-between the two buildings. So, it inspired me to think about what else I can do with this besides (a spa), and I thought you know what, 'Hot Springs does not have a true wine bar.'"
Upon restoring the iconic downtown structure, a building once home to a tile and plumbing business originally built in 1903, Caver oversaw a complete remodel of the edifice while maintaining the nostalgia of the dwelling by preserving the original pressed-tin ceilings and exposed brick.
Originally from the Golden State, Cathy spent her childhood close to California's wine country region, thus influencing her interest and appreciation for good wine.
"I grew up in northern California and was kind of near wine country my whole life ... and so, I thought, 'Let's do this!'," she said of her confidence in pursuing her newest venture.
When going about her travels, Caver makes a point to visit the various wine bars she comes across.
"Every time I travel, I go to them ... no matter where I'm at, I like to check them out, so I thought we needed one here," she said. "Honestly the spa was supposed to be finished first (and) it is still under construction, but it's getting there (and) we should be opening in the next couple months."
With roots stretching back to the West Coast, Caver prefers a particular assortment of wines; however, the Hot Springs business owner's knowledge of alternative wine preferences is broadening horizons for her newest establishment and its growing client base.
"I like wine; I'm particularly fond of California wines or Italian wines (that) are really good. ... I am not that educated on wine; I know a little bit, but I'm learning a whole lot for sure," she admitted. "I never thought I'd own a bar, but a wine bar is totally different than a bar, bar. ... It totally is."
Patrons of Splash Wine Bar will come to find a number of niceties offered by one of the downtown district's newest additions including a fresh and creative assortment of seasonal, inspired dishes comprised of cheese boards, Caprese, sustainable vegetable plates, dips, sandwiches, Charcuterie boards and seasonal, custom desserts.
Caver said that the two together (once the spa is ready for business), "will go (and) be a great marriage."
For those who do not particularly enjoy sipping wine, the exclusive downtown lounge also provides a diverse selection of beer for customers who prefer the latter.
Whether it's live music and instrumentals or mouthwatering appetizers complemented with one's preferred cocktail, the staff at Splash strives to meet every guest's needs on a night out.
"We have live entertainment on the weekends; we stay really busy on Friday and Saturday nights," noted Caver. "It's just a variety; we have anything from piano to jazz and blues to acoustic guitar. We are trying to do a once-a-month wine pairing dinner that usually the chef from (the Vault), Chef Brian Townley has been our chef ... that's an awesome evening."
With growth and a surge of expansion on the rise, Caver's most recent pursuit in Splash is taking on a life of its own as demand for this reputable place of business continues to draw more attention as time goes on.
"I've been asked to open one (wine bar) in south Hot Springs and I'm like, 'Right now?'," she said. "My daughter when she graduates college, and she graduates this semester, and I think she's probably going to move to Dallas, but eventually she wants to come back and help me run the businesses. And she wants to open more; she's young and ambitious."
Go Magazine on 02/15/2020