Sponsored Post | Photography courtesy Big Box Karaoke
If you’ve ever wanted to try karaoke but just didn’t quite have the nerve to take the stage in front of total strangers, Big Box Karaoke in Fayetteville has just the solution: private suites. These “boxes” give you and your friends a space to belt your favorite songs to your heart’s content—plus, a full menu of Asian-fusion bar foods, beer, wine, and cocktails is available via a private waiter. Read on to learn more about Big Box Karaoke from Mailena Urso, who founded the restaurant and entertainment spot with her husband, Justin.
Q. What was your inspiration to open Big Box Karaoke?
A. After graduating from the University of Arkansas, my husband, Justin, and I lived in Japan for a year where we were introduced to private suite karaoke. We fell in love with the concept. When we moved to Chicago, we found a karaoke spot and took all of our friends and family there—even though it was on the outskirts of the city. It was in Chicago where we initially saw the opportunity to open our own box-style karaoke.
The concept is simple: Instead of singing in front of a huge crowd of strangers, you rent a private suite and karaoke with your friends. At Big Box Karaoke, we have dedicated servers for each suite, so you can eat, drink, and sing all you want! It truly is a great time, even for those who say they won’t do it. More often than not, those are the mic hogs.
Q. What do you think makes Fayetteville a good location for a box-style karaoke spot?
A. When we were considering locations for our first location, we knew we had to open in Fayetteville. The entertainment district is lively and makes a great test market for our concept. BBK is a destination spot. We’ve had several groups come in from the surrounding region, including Rogers, Bentonville, Siloam Springs, Fort Smith, Little Rock, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. When we saw our building available on Block Avenue, we knew we had found the perfect location. We are excited to be part of the community!
Q. Tell us about the menu.
A. The menu is an Asian-fusion street food-inspired menu. When developing our menu, we knew we wanted to offer something unique and tasty, and not just your typical bar food. We’ve had the privilege of traveling abroad and have tasted a variety of cuisines. Justin and I don’t have culinary backgrounds, but we definitely know what we like and what we don’t. Karaoke is not required to enjoy the food, though. We have a lounge where guests can come and grab a bite to eat.
Q. This one’s important—what’s your go-to karaoke song?
A. Justin and I are known for “Love Shack”! You can find him singing a variety of tunes, from Johnny Cash to Drake. I like to karaoke some good ol’ Sheryl Crow, Celine, or anything ’90s pop.
Find Big Box Karaoke at 115 N. Block Ave. in Fayetteville or visit bigboxkaraoke.com for more information.
