Blinders wants to shake up sports viewing in South End.

The 5,500-square-foot lounge blends the essence of a cocktail lounge with the energy of a sports bar at 225 W. Tremont St. That space spotlights the viewing experience with a $1.5 million, state-of-the-art, audio-visual system.

It opens at 11 a.m. on March 20. Blinders is a neighbor of QC Pourhouse and globally influenced restaurant Para.

A screen that is 60 feet wide and 15 feet tall creates an immersive experience. It’s visible from every seat in the lounge — and the patio as well. The 10,000-pound screen was mounted 8 feet off the ground for optimal viewing. It can operate as a solo screen or be divided into 24 individual, 100-inch screens. That flexibility makes it possible to watch multiple events at once. It could also be used to host things like company meetings or movie screenings.

“It doesn’t matter what seat you sit in, the view is phenomenal,” says Kush Anandani, director for OmShera Holdings, the project’s developer.

He drew inspiration from Las Vegas sportsbooks, where viewing and betting collide.

“I just wanted a different way to watch sports. That’s where this whole thing started,” he says.

Expect a limited menu with shareable options such as wings, flatbreads and baked pretzels. Other options will include barbacoa nachos, tater-tot poutine, pizza rolls and Banh mi pork belly sliders.

Expect the menu to change throughout the year, incorporating seasonal flavors and favorites.

“We have a really good base and think we can adapt. It just shows our creativity,” Anandani says.

The cocktail menu is built around bourbon and tequila. Think classic options such as the old fashioned or a play on mint juleps, as well as espresso martinis and other signature drinks. Nine beers will be on draft, with custom nonalcoholic specialties available as well.

Blinders took a 1950s manufacturing facility down to just three walls and rebuilt from there. There’s a 40-foot bar made of white quartz, offset by a blend of light woods, brass accents and concrete floors. Dark tables and brass inlays make the blue-gray textured wallpaper pop. There are four banquette boxes — space that can accommodate up to 30 — with tufted, cognac leather benches that can be reserved. Deep chocolate velvet and leather banquettes line Blinders’ right and left sides; those are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Anandani declines to share a total investment in the project, he just smiles, saying it was “expensive.” He says the space captured his vision.

Myers and Chapman was the general contractor on the project. Cluck Design was the architect, with Avella Design Collective handled interior design. Other project partners include Peerless-AV, DC Bold and First Bank.

An OmShera-affiliated LLC purchased Blinders’ 0.44-acre parcel on Tremont for $4 million in 2023.

Blinders opens at 11 a.m. on March 20 and March 21 for March Madness. Regular operating hours will be Monday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to midnight; Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday from noon to 2 a.m. and Sunday from noon to midnight.

 CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ORIGINAL PUBLICATION VIA CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL