Willy D’s Owner Danny Brown Shares New Details on the Big Move Across the River

Groundbreaking Interview with 103.7 The Buzz Reveals What’s Next for Arkansas’s Favorite Piano Bar

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — November 12, 2025 — As the dust settles from today’s official groundbreaking ceremony, Willy D’s Rock & Roll Piano Bar owner Danny W. Brown joined Justin Acri and DJ Williams from 103.7 The Buzz to talk about the exciting next chapter for the legendary Little Rock nightlife spot.

After more than two decades in the River Market District, the iconic dueling piano bar is officially “crossing the river” to its new home beside Simmons Bank Arena, becoming part of a rapidly growing area that many are now calling the Arena District.

🎬 Watch the Full Interview

🎥 Watch the conversation with Danny Brown, Justin Acri, and DJ Williams.
 

A New Era for Willy D’s

Brown, who purchased Willy D’s years ago after being a longtime fan of the bar, called the move “a natural evolution” for one of Central Arkansas’s most beloved entertainment venues.

“We’ve had a great run in the River Market — over 20 years of bringing the energy downtown,” said Brown. “But this move puts us right in the middle of all the new development, hotels, and the arena. It’s a great move for the next generation of Willy D’s.”

The new location will be part of a $25 million mixed-use development led by Nabholz Properties Inc., which also includes a 90-room Aloft Hotel, a 7,000-square-foot event venue, and a revitalized promenade connecting the North Little Rock Convention Center to Simmons Bank Arena.

What’s New at the Future Willy D’s

Brown revealed several exciting design and concept updates during the live interview:

The new Willy D’s will be a two-story building featuring a mezzanine balcony overlooking the stage, offering guests both intimate and elevated viewing experiences.

The club will have 24-foot ceilings for an open, high-energy feel.

Outdoor patios and balconies will face the promenade, offering New Orleans-style balcony views of concerts and events near the arena.

A large video wall above the stage will enhance performances and double as a screen for sports and special events.

A kitchen partnership with John Daly’s Perky’s Pizza will bring food service to Willy D’s for the first time — featuring the new “John Daly Pizza” line.

Parking, Access & Continuity

One of the biggest improvements for patrons will be parking and access. Brown confirmed that Aloft Hotel will offer valet parking services for Willy D’s guests, in addition to ample on-street and surface lot parking nearby.

And fans don’t have to worry about missing a weekend:

“We’re going to stay open in Little Rock until the new venue is ready,” said Brown. “We hope not to miss a single weekend — just pack up and walk across the river bridge when it’s time.”

The Timeline

Construction begins immediately following the groundbreaking.

Best case opening: Summer 2026

Realistic target: Fall 2026

The Evolution of the Show

The move also represents a creative reset for the show itself. The DEEP Ultra Lounge will not move with the new venue — the focus will be entirely on the dueling piano bar experience that made Willy D’s a household name.

Brown credited longtime entertainers Cliff and Susan Prowse and Entertainment Director Matteo Ellis for keeping the show vibrant and evolving:

“Susan started here more than 20 years ago,” said Brown. “They've helped shape the entertainment vision, keep the music fresh, and balance the classics everyone loves — like ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ and ‘Family Tradition’ — with modern hits that keep every night unique.”

The Bigger Picture

The move positions Willy D’s as a key part of the Arena District’s revitalization, which includes the Aloft Hotel, Tempo by Hilton, and the new North Little Rock Convention Center.

Brown noted that the city plans to extend the entertainment district from Argenta down through the new plaza, creating one continuous corridor for dining, nightlife, and live music.

What’s Next

Expect ongoing construction updates, design reveals, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the Willy D’s team as the new venue takes shape.

Follow along for news, videos, and event updates at:
🌐 www.WillyDsPianoBar.com
📸 Instagram: @willydslr
📘 Facebook: @willydslr

Willy D’s Breaks Ground on New Home in North Little Rock

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR — November 4, 2025 — After more than two decades of unforgettable nights, sing-along anthems, and celebrations in the heart of Little Rock’s River Market District, Willy D’s is officially breaking ground on its brand-new home — just across the river at the corner of Broadway and Poplar in North Little Rock, directly in front of Simmons Bank Arena.

The new location marks an exciting new chapter for the beloved Arkansas entertainment venue. The future Willy D’s will feature a fresh, modern design with a mezzanine, a flexible multi-purpose stage, and an updated atmosphere — while keeping the same legendary dueling piano show and nostalgia that guests know and love.

“We’re excited about this new chapter,” said Susan Erwin Prowse, Marketing Director for Willy D’s. “There’s no better place than a piano bar to party, create memories, and bring people together. This move allows us to evolve while keeping the heart and soul of what makes Willy D’s special.”

The new space will focus entirely on the high-energy, interactive dueling piano experience that guests have come to know and love. The DEEP Ultra Lounge from the previous location will not continue at the new site, allowing the venue to focus solely on the live entertainment that made it famous.

Owner Danny W. Brown began exploring relocation opportunities several years ago, and the timing aligned perfectly with the city’s exciting new development plans surrounding Simmons Bank Arena and the forthcoming North Little Rock Convention Center.

Brown worked closely with longtime performers Cliff and Susan Prowse, Greg Nabholz of Nabholz Properties Inc., and H+N Architects, blending modern elements with the nostalgia and warmth of the classic Willy D’s environment.

“This isn’t the end of a song, it’s the next verse,” said Danny W. Brown. “We’re honored to have been part of so many memories for our guests over the years, and we can’t wait to create new ones in our next home.”

Willy D’s has long been known as a central hub for live music and nightlife in Central Arkansas, drawing crowds for birthdays, bachelorette parties, anniversaries, and nights out with friends. Its dueling piano players — drawn from across the country — bring unmatched energy and showmanship to every performance.

The art form itself has deep roots: dueling pianos began in the 1930s in New Orleans, eventually spreading to cities nationwide as one of America’s most unique and interactive entertainment experiences. Most major cities now boast at least one dueling piano bar — and Willy D’s has proudly represented Arkansas on that national map since 2003.

Construction on the new venue is expected to move quickly following the groundbreaking on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 11 AM. More details on opening dates, design reveals, and hiring announcements will be shared on Willy D’s website and social media channels in the coming months.

🌐 Website: www.willydspianobar.com
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/willydslr
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/willydslr

About the Mixed-Use Development

The new Willy D’s location is part of a $25 million mixed-use development led by Nabholz Properties Inc., located adjacent to Simmons Bank Arena and the 2nd Street Promenade in North Little Rock.

The project will include a 90-room Aloft Hotel, the relocation of Willy D’s Dueling Pianos, and a 7,000-square-foot event venue, serving as a dynamic new gateway between Argenta Arts District and the growing corridor around the arena.

“This project builds on years of momentum in Argenta and continues our commitment to investing in North Little Rock’s downtown,” said Greg Nabholz, CEO of Nabholz Properties Inc. “It serves as a gateway to Argenta — amplifying the energy of nearby projects like the new North Little Rock Conference Center, the enhanced 2nd Street Promenade, and Argenta Plaza.”

The Aloft Hotel, part of the Marriott family of hotels, will be developed through a partnership between Conway Management and Span Hospitality. Known for its modern design and vibrant social spaces, the Aloft brand complements the area’s growing hospitality and entertainment offerings.

“We’re excited to bring the Aloft brand to North Little Rock,” said Nemo Sitaram, Director of Development for Conway Management. “This property will deliver a high-quality hospitality option steps away from Simmons Bank Arena and the Argenta Arts District.”

Local dignitaries, including North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick, Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, and other officials, will attend the groundbreaking ceremony. 103.7 The Buzz will broadcast The Zone live from the event, hosted by Justin Acri and DJ Williams.

For more information on the development, visit nabprop.com/groundbreaking.