Fletcher's changes owners, could reopen next month
Fletcher's may be down, but it's not out.
Co-owners Craig Boarman and Evan Tanner, who planned on opening a Latin/sushi spot on the first level, are no longer involved with Fletcher's. Building owner Bryan Burkert has taken over the Fells Point live music club, which he is currently rehabbing, he said.
Fletcher's could reopen as a bar and live music venue sometime in November -- but that's just a guess, Burkert said. He has to hire new staff and have the liquor license transferred back to his name.
Burkert, who also owns nearby music store Sound Garden, ran Fletcher's for several years. About 18 months ago, he transferred ownership of Fletcher's to Boarman and Tanner. Now, it's back in Burkert's hands.
"We'll see what happens," he said. "There's a lot of things you don't want to be doing, but sometimes you wake up and you're doing them. No matter what, I've got to put the business back in order."
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
I always thought the Latin/Sushi idea was just dumb. This is Fells Point,keep it as a locals dive bar with music upstairs. When will entrepreneurs learn that upscale doesn't work here? I'm a long time supporter of Fletchers and can't wait to return when it reopens.
Posted by: Don | October 14, 2009 3:54 PM
Latin/Sushi already bombed at Nasu Blanca over near Fort Avenue. There's no way it would live in Fells Point.. not a good fit. This is not Tribeca.
Bar and Live Music? Check!
Posted by: Lisa | October 14, 2009 4:08 PM
Good call Don. Pazo, Kali's Court, Meli, Mezze. Lousiana. Your right. It'll never work.
Posted by: Moondoggy | October 14, 2009 4:18 PM
But will they go alllll the way back to the shots and beer and pool corner bar that Fletchers should have always remained?
:sniff:
Posted by: MrRational | October 14, 2009 6:41 PM
Hey Moondoggy, you forgot Miss Irene's!
Posted by: Ben | October 14, 2009 7:24 PM
Oh wait, there's more...
Ruth's Chris, Roy's, Cinghiale, Charleston, Capital Grille, Della Notte, Lebanese Taverna, the Oceanaire. Wow, Don, you're a flippin' genius. I guess upscale doesn't work. RISE UP BALTIMORE!!!!!
Posted by: Isaiah | October 14, 2009 7:47 PM
Yeah,Moondoggy,those places do OK I guess,but that's not what Fells Point is ABOUT. It's about neighborhood gathering places where you and your friends can grab a beer or two. Not Filet Mignon and $20 Martinis. Keep that crap in Federal Hill and Harbor East where the "Credit Card Elite" gather....
Posted by: Don | October 14, 2009 8:35 PM
Now I might actually considering going back there. Poor treatment from the owners and the staff during last year's Baltimore Music Conference was the only reason we've been boycotting the venue (along with quite a few other local bands and live music fans). Hopefully Bryan Burkert will do a good job staffing the place and interacting with the acts he books.
Posted by: Ryan Graham | October 15, 2009 4:26 PM
Unfortunately, music business factors don't allow them to get the kind of acts they used to years ago. If they book here, contractually they can't book at DC clubs, because it's too close and the DC clubs will get smaller audiences.
So it's amateur night way too often. I fear the good old days cannot be re-had.
Posted by: jupiter | October 15, 2009 10:40 PM