MacCracken’s Expands from Naughty to Nice

What happens when a Celtic Pub where locals go for great beer and fun realizes growth? The result is a unique concept birthing a new, softer side of the establishment.

Owner Gary Leake describes his latest creation as Nice, implying the original is ‘naughty’ in that it is more darkly lit by comparison and not as polished.

MacCracken’s, known for its distinguishing taste in quality beer, currently services a niche crowd of mostly Catholics, Northern city transplants and people with preference to European bars. Though the bar is open to everyone, the patrons rarely change.

“It doesn’t matter to me, I want to bring together quality people of all races, creeds and religions from 21 to 80,” says Leake whose motto "Live well, laugh a lot, and love often" is displayed prominently at the front door.

MacCracken’s Nice is going to be a 1980s dance club with a live DJ and non-smoking setting. Leake says there are currently only two places to dance in Cobb County, which represents an underserved market.

“Our demographic for Nice are the people who are getting older, transferred here, gotten divorced, kids have gone off to college and are just looking for something fun and safe to do,” Leake says.

Leake describes ‘Naughty’ as a modern-day juke joint with live bands playing in the small space for the intimate nostalgic feel of a different era. Slated to open later in the month, Nice will be the complementary side of MacCracken’s history on the Square as a tuff-and-tumble pub for the serious beer enthusiasts.

For information on Johnnie MacCracken’s Nice, call 404-520-4350 or send an e-mail to Leake at johnniemac@johnniemaccrackens.com.