Melissa and Chris Fuller opened a new kind of lounge that celebrates community, connection, and a shared vision for the growing downtown Texarkana
By Phoebe Warren

“Texarkana needs a nice, upscale place to get a drink.” When Chris Fuller uttered these words to his wife, Melissa, a magic spell of manifestation took place. This was back in the fall of 2023, and the Fullers ruminated on the idea until inspiration struck and the plan slowly unveiled itself.

“We were walking around downtown one day,” Melissa recalled. “Chris said, ‘If we decide to do this, there is no other place I’d rather do it than in downtown Texarkana.’” After walking by many vacant buildings, peeking in windows and peering through doorways, the couple came across the building at 116 East Broad Street. This building was originally constructed in the 1880s, and a new facade was added in 1917, with prism glass designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Most people in Texarkana know it as “the old Dr. Pepper building,” due to a prominent Dr. Pepper sign that hung outside of the building—a remnant from Pena’s, the Mexican restaurant that closed in the 1990s.

When the couple called on their close friend and local realtor Tessa Ray to see the building one afternoon in October 2023, she herself was reluctant even to go inside. “The building was in shambles,” Chris laughed. “It smelled bad, and cats and raccoons had taken over living in it. But Melissa could immediately see the potential.” The Fullers loved the brick walls, the empty lot next door that promised future patio space, and, of course, the downtown location.

In December 2023, the Fullers made their offer on the building, and it was accepted. “We were doing it!” Melissa said. The remodel of the building took almost two years. In that time, the Fullers were tested more than they ever imagined they would be. Melissa was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. She retired from a 27-year career in education, making her health her main priority.

Chris was the owner of a baseball scouting service, designed to assist high school and junior college athletes further their careers. Inspired by his wife, he took the leap of faith right alongside her. “After Melissa’s cancer diagnosis, we quickly realized that life is short,” Chris said. “We wanted to do something fun and challenging together.” That fun and challenging pursuit? To open the upscale wine and bourbon lounge of their dreams.

The Fullers were finally able to open the doors to their new dream on August 1st, 2025. “It was surreal,” Melissa said. “We had finally gotten to the point where we could say we actually did this.” This sleek new hangout was dubbed The Eagle Bourbon & Wine Lounge. The name honors both Chris’ and Melissa’s late fathers, who were known to enjoy a good drink after a long day on the golf course. “Eagle” refers to the golf score of two under par on a single hole.

With cozy, relaxed seating, the original brick walls, and even a grand fireplace available in the winter months, this new establishment is the perfect place for meaningful conversation and relaxation, along with libations. “Although we have a full bar, our personal preference and interest is bourbon and wine,” Melissa said. “Both bourbon and wine have deep traditions and interesting craftsmanship.” Of course, if relaxation equals activity for any patrons, they’re in luck as well: a golf simulator near the back of the building allows visitors to practice their swings. A few lucky community members can even call this place home, as the Fullers had five one-bedroom apartments built on the 3,300-square-foot second floor.

Restoring “the old Dr. Pepper building” on Broad Street took nearly two years. “The building was in shambles,” Chris said, “but Melissa could see the potential.” Progress photo submitted; Others by shane darby

The most gratifying part of the experience has been the community they’ve found downtown. “We are frequent customers of the businesses located downtown,” Chris said. “We could see the revitalization efforts already in place and wanted to be a part of it. Other downtown business owners frequent The Eagle, and we have been able to partner with downtown restaurants for private events that we host. We support each other and are happy to do it.”

Renovating the building, which is over 100 years old, presented no shortage of challenges. Thankfully, Main Street Texarkana, Main Street Arkansas, and the Texas Historic Commission stepped in to help the Fullers give new life to the old building. “[These organizations] connected us with Steve Hurd from Conway, who was able to restore the original beautiful, historic Broad Street windows,” Melissa said. “They also provided us with useful grants to aid in the expense of the building of the bar, the patio, and the window restoration.”

The Fullers couldn’t be happier with the spot they have carved for themselves in the downtown community, and the sense of purpose they feel restoring a historical location adds to their experience as business owners. “Investing in downtown is a big financial and time commitment, but it is so gratifying when you see buildings that are run down and abandoned start coming to life again,” Melissa said.

In the coming years, the Fuller couple predicts that the downtown district in Texarkana will continue to grow. “We feel like you won’t even recognize downtown in the next five to ten years,” Melissa said. “We hope that more people will invest in downtown and renovate some spectacular buildings that are already in place.”

In the meantime, The Eagle stands proudly as a signature experience for visitors and locals to enjoy—not only as a place where friends and family gather over a fine drink, but also as a well of hope that life will continue to pour back into downtown.

Feature Stories

Pouring Life Downtown