Earlier this week, a Charlotte Agenda article caused some debate around town when it announced the upcoming opening of a new bar in Dilworth. What’s the fuss? Its owner Jackie McHugh, who recently moved here from New York, plans to name it Milestone.
Though the Agenda article failed to mention it, Charlotte already has a bar called The Milestone. Perhaps you’ve heard of it: world famous, been here since 1969, Nirvana played there, historic local icon…?
You may be wondering why this dude would want to brand his new bar with the same name as one of the city’s most beloved establishments, simultaneously confusing and pissing off potential patrons before the doors even open. The answer: it’s a tribute to his 11-month old son, Miles, who gives zero fux about your precious punk rock mecca.
Here at Creative Loafing, we can appreciate Mr. McHugh’s dedication to his son, but we can’t get behind the name. We’ve come up with other suggestions — all of which are a better idea:
Smiles
This name is hitting on several levels. Here’s a word that incorporates Miles’ name, conveys the happy feeling customers can expect to have when they visit, and potentially lends itself to a cool Irish tagline (Something about “When Irish eyes are smiling…”).
Daddy’s Pub
Like the fictional “Paddy’s Pub” from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – only this one is a tribute to being a dad. Bonus: It’s likely to become the go-to meeting place for old rich guys and the hot young gold-diggers who “love” them.
The Dilhole
A watering hole in Dilworth? It begs for this name.
CBGB
Because if you’re going to steal the name of an iconic punk club, make it one from the city you just left, not the one you’re setting up shop in.
O’Blivious
It’s a name that says “Around here we’re Irish. Also, we have no idea how to Google a name before claiming it as our own.”
Mr. McHugh, you are free to use any of these. We don’t expect a consultant fee, public acknowledgement or even a free beer (although that would be nice). We consider it a public service.
Oh and by the way, welcome to Charlotte!
This article appears in Apr 26 – May 2, 2017.
Well this is awesome!!
Fantastic.
why not just Sonnyboy McHughs – that would be an awesome name for an Irish pub
Thank you!!! I mean…. did he do ANY research on the city before deciding this? Great read Erin!
Man it seems like I grew up at the milestone, mainly because they were a bit lax on carding people back in the day (1970s) In high school we would go hang out there every week . … if we couldn’t get in we just sat in the parking lot gettin high and listening to the bands. I saw RHCP when they were still a punk band, I saw R.E.M and the B-52s before they broke big. Hat’s off to Bill Flowers . … the Milestone is a cultural landmark every bit as valid as CBGB . …. and no, you can’t use the name for your new yuppie bar I only wish GG Allin were still alive so he could go take a shit on top of the bar in your new “pub” jus sayin
Awesome Erin! When I first heard about this, it got me Irish blood a boiling! I have a suggestion… Anything and I do mean Anything but Milestone!
This article rules, great job standing up for the one and only.
World Famous Milestone.
When I moved here from NY, and opened my first Queen City establishment, we actually had to submit our future restaurant’s name to discover other businesses with the same name, obviously we wanted to insure there was no other local biz DBA as Lulu.. has he NOT done this, or did he just go, “fuhgidabowdit?”
It’s a bad look, but unfortunately? The Chads of Dilworth and other condhole dwellers won’t care either. Great article, Erin, unfortunate it had to be written.
“Last Irish Bar for Miles” is my suggestion.
Lol I think Im most partial to Dilholes. You the best Treezy! Great job!
I snort in open support of this article and The Milestone. Dilhole.. hahaha
Jayzus, such a fuss over a pub name. Now I hope he keeps it just to piss everyone off. That’s about the punkest thing you can possibly do.