By Megan Green

Kansas State Collegian

A new addition to the bar scene will be coming to Aggieville by the end of January 2007.

Tanks Tavern, a new bar owned by K-State alumnus Brett Allred, has been under construction for the past six months to prepare for its trendy bar debut.

"This will be kind of upscale for Manhattan," Allred said. "More like the bars around the KC area. It's going to be really high-energy. You'll be able to move around easier and not get bumped and be able to get a drink."

There is about 80 feet of bar space, he said, and Tanks will have the only island bar in Manhattan.

"It'll be really easy to get to the bar," he said. "And it'll be very open."

Allred said he plans to have a large dance floor and to create an atmosphere more like that of a dance club. He also plans to have the tavern's mascot, Tank, a pitbull mix, at the bar at all times.

Tank will be in an area where he will not bother people who don't want to talk to him, Allred said.

Allred has been working in Aggieville for three years and said he loves the bar business. He said he has been saving for this opportunity for four years.

"Everyone who works in a bar wants to own a bar," he said. "I'm the only one who is dumb enough to actually do it."

Because he is only 23 years old, Allred said he has a better idea of what people want.

"Waiting is a common thing in bars," he said. "But I don't think you should wait. It'll be really open and really easy to get a drink."

Maureen Thomsen, senior in mass communications, said she is excited about the bar's opening.

"I can't wait for it to open," she said. "It's something new, and we need something new like this in Manhattan."

Businesses near the future location of Tanks Tavern did not have much to say about the bar, because they said they have no idea what to expect.

"I don't think it's something I can worry about, because I have no control over it," said Rich Markle, manager of Rock-A-Belly Bar and Deli. "All I can do is focus on the things I can control - our good service - and if I do that, there's not a whole lot more I can do."

Allred said he is excited about his building and has done a lot of work to get it to meet his standards.

"About two dozen people have done the demo work," he said. "I have to thank all of my good friends."

Allred isn't new to opening his own business. He used to own the hot tub business Captain Wildcat Hot Tub rental, which he has since sold.

"I really enjoy the bar business," he said. "My goal is to offer the fastest speed of service in Manhattan, and the only line at my bar will be at the door to get in."