MoonRunners Saloon Newsroom

About Us

MoonRunners Saloon, located in Garner, NC, is a prohibition-era themed restaurant that gained fame after being featured on the Paramount Network show, "Bar Rescue." In March 2013, Jon Taffer and his team transformed the failing establishment into a thriving hotspot. With the expertise of celebrity chef Brian Duffy and TV mixologist Russell Davis, MoonRunners Saloon now offers a unique dining experience with a specialty menu and famous moonshine cocktails.

At our local Garner NC Restaurant, you will find a wide variety of meal options and eat some absolutely delicious food along with a loaded bar featuring specialty cocktails and live music from time to time. We take pride in excellent customer service and food and drinks at reasonable prices, featuring several dinner and lunch specials throughout the week. You will leave feeling like you got a great meal and friendly service. Not sure what to order on your first visit? Our super friendly and amazing staff can provide you with some menu suggestions such as having one of our great sandwiches or something from the grill. While we are not a brew pub, we have one of the largest, most extensive Moonshine menus in town. Garner restaurants, specifically MoonRunners, though not a typically fast food joint, excels in providing exceptional quality food and great service, making it a go-to for lunch specials and a great meal.

MoonRunners Saloon excels in providing hearty comfort food at reasonable prices. Known for its massive juicy burgers, crispy chicken wings, and Southern soul food inspired dishes, it has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant also caters to vegetarians and offers special deals like $10 burgers on Inflation Mondays and half-priced wings on Tuesdays. With outdoor seating and a lively atmosphere, it's the perfect place to enjoy a meal, watch a game, or hang out with friends and family.

Address

1506 Highway 70W
Garner, North Carolina  27529
United STates

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Our Team

Charlie Alexander

Founder

Guy Wavra

How We Started

  • Detailed Timeline June 24, 2024

    In July of 2009, Alexa Holdings, Inc. acquired the struggling Garner Ale House, aiming to revitalize the establishment. By 2011, the restaurant had been rebranded as Characters Quarters, experiencing an initial surge of success. However, a transformative opportunity arose when the owners were approached by the hit TV show Bar Rescue. Despite knowing that participating in the show would mean another rebranding, the owners decided to seize the opportunity after careful consideration.

    In March 2013, the Bar Rescue production crew arrived, and the episode featuring the newly transformed MoonRunners Saloon aired in August of that year. The show brought significant attention and acclaim to the establishment, making it one of Bar Rescue's standout successes. The unique prohibition-era themed restaurant, known for its great food, specialty drinks, and welcoming atmosphere, quickly became a crowd favorite.

    Since then, MoonRunners Saloon has continued to thrive, with Bar Rescue featuring the restaurant multiple times to showcase its ongoing success. Building on this momentum, MoonRunners is slated to expand in 2024 with the opening of two additional locations in North Carolina, bringing its celebrated concept to even more patrons.

  • Expansion Plans May 24, 2024

    In 2024, building on its ongoing success and popularity, MoonRunners Saloon is slated to open two additional locations in North Carolina. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the restaurant's journey, bringing its celebrated concept to even more patrons across the state.

  • Multiple Features by Bar Rescue February 8, 2024

    MoonRunners Saloon has continued to thrive and gain popularity since its initial feature on Bar Rescue. The restaurant's success story has led to multiple follow-up features by the show, highlighting it as one of Bar Rescue's greatest successes. The unique concept and welcoming atmosphere have made it a standout destination in Garner, NC.

  • Airing of the Episode August 9, 2013

    The episode featuring the newly transformed MoonRunners Saloon aired in August 2013. The show brought significant attention to the establishment, showcasing its prohibition-era theme, great food, and specialty drinks. The episode was a hit, and the rebranded MoonRunners Saloon quickly became a crowd favorite.

  • Bar Rescue Transformation March 3, 2013

    By 2013, an exciting opportunity presented itself when the owners were approached by the hit TV show Bar Rescue. Despite understanding that participation would involve another rebranding, the ownership saw the potential benefits. After much deliberation, they decided to go ahead, and in March 2013, the Bar Rescue production crew arrived to start the transformation.

  • Rebranding to Characters Quarters February 5, 2011

    In 2011, the restaurant underwent a significant rebranding and was introduced to the community as Characters Quarters. This new brand brought a fresh identity and concept, leading to an initial surge in success and popularity among patrons.

  • Alexa Holdings, Inc. Acquisition July 14, 2009

    In July 2009, Alexa Holdings, Inc. acquired the struggling Garner Ale House with the goal of turning the failing establishment around. The new ownership aimed to revitalize the restaurant and create a fresh start for the business.