Michael Ballard: No Plans To Rebuild Full Throttle Saloon

Michael Ballard, owner of the Full Throttle Saloon and reality television star released a statement today concerning the fire which completely destroyed the Full Throttle Bar.  In it, he thanked the local fire departments but said "financial constraints" will prevent him from rebuilding the iconic bar, at least in the immediate future.   Business partner and friend Jesse James Dupree also issued his own statement that he wants to start a movement to "bring the Throttle Back but didn't give any details or offer any other information. 

Over the last two decades, The Full Throttle Saloon has been the epicenter of my life.  Walking the grounds following this tragedy is simply devastating.  We created a destination that resonated with working class America, and became over time a landmark for this great town which is Sturgis.  Over the last several years, I’ve taken the success of the Full Throttle and made a significant investment in rebuilding my hometown of Trimble, Tennessee (where the Full Throttle S’loonshine distillery is based). Because of that large financial investment I am not in a position to just start rebuilding today. Right now I have to process what has happened and then figure out the future. As our plans come together, they will be shared but as for today Angie and I are devastated.  To everyone who made the Full Throttle become the special destination we all came to love, simply thank you.  The support from the local community and those across the globe has been humbling. To everyone who made the Full Throttle become the special destination we all came to love, simply thank you. The support from the local community and those across the globe has been humbling.” – Michael Ballard

“Michael created not just a bar but a destination point.  People come to see Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, The Badlands, and the Full Throttle Saloon when visiting South Dakota. I hope everyone can stop for a moment, and appreciate not only the investment but also the heart and soul that Michael put into the Full Throttle Saloon. My brothers in Jackyl and I along with the hundreds of thousands of others that we call our Full Throttle family are starting the movement TODAY to bring the Throttle Back!” – Jesse James Dupree