(Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Tonetti will be lead bartender; there will not be a lead bartender. We apologize for and own up to the error.)

Gary Crunkleton, a Chapel Hill mixologist and owner of The Crunkleton bar, has hired bartender Jim Tonetti, Unpretentious Palate has learned. Tonetti, a local mixologist, has been tapped to work at the bar’s upcoming location in Elizabeth. Tonetti has a long resume in Charlotte, including stints at 204 North, Murphy’s Tavern, and Sophia’s Lounge, all in Uptown, as well as SouthPark’s Upstream.

The Crunkleton is currently hiring staff in Charlotte. The bar will have a full kitchen with a menu focusing on open-flame cooking, and is located in the Elizabeth neighborhood, on 7th Street and Pecan Avenue. Crunkleton is the second big name to open recently in that corner of Elizabeth. His space is one door down from The Stanley, chef Paul Verica’s second iteration of his Waxhaw restaurant Heritage. Verica’s craft in the kitchen is similar to Crunkleton’s abilities behind the bar; The Crunkleton is consistently named best bar in North Carolina. Crunkleton has gained the respect of many through pioneering not only his bar, but legislation that allows antique spirits to be served in the state.

You can pre-order memberships to the bar now on The Crunkleton website. Memberships are $10 for one year, and earn you entry into the bar with one guest. Sign up here. The bar was initially expected to be long open by now, but is still on track to be open by the end of the year. Guests who sign up early can win an invite to a pre-opening party. —Kristen Wile

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