Belmont neighborhood rum bar The Royal Tot will reopen Santa-free on January 21. The island-themed cocktail bar from ETA Group first opened late last year as Sippin’ Santa, a holiday-themed tiki takeover. Following the holidays, the bar was closed for staff to remove the holiday spirit and restore the cocktail bar’s island oasis vibe. The bar is named after the daily rum rations once given to sailors in the British Royal Navy — a longstanding practice that ended in the 1970s.

“Throughout the years, that changed in the amount and what type of rum, but it was always a steady tradition,” says owner Scott Gadd. “We are hoping to maintain that by having daily tots available for guests as they come in.”

That daily tot will include infused rums that change frequently, as well as near 200 antique rum offerings. Also on the menu will be classic tiki cocktails and rum drinks by mixologist Larry Suggs. Paper Plane Deli will provide the food, including Spam sliders and poke and fried rice bowls. Paper Plane is located in the same building as The Royal Tot, off Central Avenue near Catawba Brewing. Dole Whip, a pineapple soft serve creation popularized by Disney resorts, will be available in the spring.

The restaurant’s main floor is anchored by a bar in the center, tiki glassware making a bright display behind the bartenders. Natural materials and color palettes help evoke a warm, seaside feel, while the second story features a large patio with a skyline view and a smaller bar.

ETA Group, short for Embrace The Adventure, is owned by husband-and-wife team Scott and Ashleigh Gadd. Both Gadds previously worked in insurance before they decided to open an axe-throwing bar near where The Royal Tot will be. They grew that one bar to three locations before selling them and opening Stroke, a putt-putt course with craft cocktails and food, in nearby Plaza Midwood.

Reservations are now open for The Royal Tot’s opening on Jan. 21.

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