New bar brings back piece of history

The owners of Kilroy’s have added a new bar to the family, The DunnKirk. The bar opened 6 p.m. Monday with The Main Squeeze performing at midnight, setting the bar’s opening night off.

The DunnKirk is replacing the area where former bars 902’s and Hoosier Knights were located on the corner of Kirkwood Avenue and Dunn Street.

The Main Squeeze started with its usual jam band session, but also added a pop twist to the set, performing songs by Kanye West and Cee Lo Green.

“We do most of our shows at the Bluebird, but the DunnKirk is a great option and opens up more opportunities for shows with a fun and great atmosphere,” said Reuban Gingrich, drummer for The Main Squeeze. 

The Kilroy’s franchise bought 902’s and Hoosier Knights a week before spring break. Having high hopes of opening the day students came back from break wasn’t an easy task, manager David Prall said.

“Most of the contractors, credit card and soda companies couldn’t get out to The DunnKirk until Monday, the day of opening,” said Linda Prall, owner of the Kilroy’s franchise. “Ultimately Kilroy’s had to refurnish, open and slap their name on it in 24 hours.”

Coming up with a name was a difficult task, David Prall, Linda’s son, explained.

“It has the atmosphere of a house party with the looks of a house,” he said.

Many names were considered. However, Kilroy’s wanted to bring back the essence of the old DunnKirk Square.

“Having a name that has historic resemblance to the community as well as being located at the intersection of Dunn and Kirkwood, The DunnKirk just seemed like the perfect fit,” David Prall said.

All of the architecture inside The DunnKirk is original from 1968, with a vintage banister overlooking the stage and exposed brick on the walls bringing a historical ambiance to the bar.

The owners said they plan to have lots of different entertainment, including concerts, DJs, comedy shows and private parties or functions. There will also be a lot of cross-promotion with Kilroy’s On Kirkwood, Upstairs and Nick’s.

The idea is to have Kirkwood resemble a better bar street like Chicago’s Rush and Division or Wrigleyville, Linda Prall said.