New 1980s-Themed Bar 'Ms. Finicky' Set to Open in Downtown Reno

The bar will feature a 1980s-inspired cocktail menu and design, aiming to capture the attitude and energy of the era.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A new 1980s-inspired cocktail bar called Ms. Finicky is set to open in late February between Midtown and downtown Reno. The bar is being opened by co-owners Donielle McMinn, Andy McMinn, Bella Chavez-McMinn and Eric Chavez, with design and development support from the hospitality firm Maverick Theory. The bar will feature a menu of 1980s-themed cocktails as well as a tight, energetic atmosphere meant to evoke the spirit of the decade.

Why it matters

The opening of Ms. Finicky comes at a challenging time for the food and beverage industry in Reno, which has seen a number of recent closures due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the bar's owners are confident that the combination of a proven bar location, an experienced hospitality design team, and a clear 1980s-inspired concept will give Ms. Finicky the staying power to succeed.

The details

Ms. Finicky will be located at 100 California Ave., taking over the space previously occupied by Forest Street Station. The bar's 1980s-inspired cocktail menu will feature drinks like the tequila-based Midori Sour, the Scotch-based Rusty Nail, and the bourbon-based Fennec Fox. There will also be a non-alcoholic "Cure All" drink made with Seedlip Garden, elderflower tonic, lime and mint. The bar's design and atmosphere are meant to evoke the "attitude, polish, and a little danger" of the 1980s, without feeling like a cheap novelty.

  • Ms. Finicky is set to open in late February 2026.

The players

Donielle McMinn

One of the co-owners of Ms. Finicky, who is returning to the hospitality industry after previously working in the sector in her 20s and then managing personal real estate.

Andy McMinn

A co-owner of Ms. Finicky, along with Donielle McMinn, Bella Chavez-McMinn and Eric Chavez.

Bella Chavez-McMinn

A co-owner of Ms. Finicky, along with Donielle McMinn, Andy McMinn and Eric Chavez.

Eric Chavez

A co-owner of Ms. Finicky, along with Donielle McMinn, Andy McMinn and Bella Chavez-McMinn.

Maverick Theory

A hospitality design and development firm that is partnering with Ms. Finicky and has experience pushing food and beverage concepts in major markets like Los Angeles and New York.

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What they’re saying

“We were able to step into it on a sweetheart deal, which gave us a rare chance to move fast and build something with a clear point of view.”

— Donielle McMinn, Co-owner of Ms. Finicky (rgj.com)

“It signals taste, standards, and care. Just unapologetically specific about what the room is and how it runs.”

— Donielle McMinn, Co-owner of Ms. Finicky (rgj.com)

“The motif is 80s-inspired, reimagined. Think attitude, polish, and a little danger, not costumes.”

— Donielle McMinn, Co-owner of Ms. Finicky (rgj.com)

“(It's) a non-alcoholic drink that still feels like a real choice.”

— Donielle McMinn, Co-owner of Ms. Finicky (rgj.com)

“The goal is repeat business, not opening-week hype.”

— Donielle McMinn, Co-owner of Ms. Finicky (rgj.com)

What’s next

Ms. Finicky is set to open in late February 2026, marking the debut of the 1980s-inspired cocktail bar in downtown Reno.

The takeaway

The opening of Ms. Finicky represents an opportunity for Reno's food and beverage scene to embrace a nostalgic, yet modern, concept that aims to capture the energy and attitude of the 1980s. With an experienced hospitality team behind it and a focus on operational efficiency, Ms. Finicky hopes to establish itself as a go-to destination for both visitors and locals alike.