WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Rumors have been circulating that one of the owners of a new piano bar in downtown Wilmington is Kevin Keatts, the head coach for the men’s basketball team at N.C. State.

It’s not a rumor. It’s a fact.

Keatts and his business partner, Clayton Gsell, own Tempo 33, the newest addition to downtown Wilmington. It’s on the top floor of the Roudabush building, above Yosake and The Husk on S. Front St.

Keatts and Gsell hosted a soft opening Wednesday night. Tempo 33 will officially open on Friday, August 16 at 5 p.m. The piano bar, which includes live entertainment, an expansive bar and upscale, contemporary seating areas, will only open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Keatts, who spent several seasons as the head men’s basketball coach at UNCW was looking for property in Wilmington to open a business. He and Gsell were on the same mission.

“Kevin and I were looking independently for space to do a piano bar, and two business brokers put us together,” Gsell said. “We shared the same thoughts about the need for a bougie piano bar downtown.”

Finding the perfect spot took over a year of searching. There was also Keatts’ basketball season that included a trip to the 2024 NCAA Final Four. When the two learned Yosake and The Husk were on the market, the rest, as they say, is history.

“We spent several months searching for a space and when we learned about The Husk and Yosake opportunity with an empty 3rd floor, it all made sense,” Gsell said.

Just weeks after acquiring the businesses, Yosake and The Husk were forced to temporarily close due to a fire. The Husk has reopened and Yosake should open by Monday at the latest.

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