Though some may have been unaware of the event, a fire on Thursday, Feb. 9 forced BAR, located at 254 Crown Street in New Haven, to close down for over a week while renovations were made to the damaged areas of the popular restaurant and pub. However, since its re-opening, business at BAR has been blazing.
“The community of New Haven has been really supportive of us after the fire,” BAR General Manager Danielle Ginnetti told The Chronicle. “We were really busy over the first weekend after re-opening the downstairs rooms.”
The only area of BAR that remains closed is the Grain Loft, located above the Bru Room. “We need to make a couple safety renovations up there before we can re-open it,” Ginnetti said. “It’s a shame because people really like it upstairs.”
Some Quinnipiac students had caught word of the unfortunate fire and were upset over the event.
“I saw on the news that night that BAR had caught fire,” said Patrick Hart, senior journalism major, “and I just thought to myself, ‘Aww man, like, I guess that’s one less place to go out to in New Haven.'”
Employees at BAR felt the burn from its closing. Many waitresses and bartenders thrive on the tips earned on busy nights. “For most of us, BAR is our only job,” said Bianca Maresca, senior psychology major and waitress. “Since a lot of our income comes from tips, we were hurting bad for that week and a half.”
“I think people missed us being open and are psyched for us to be back in business,” Ginnetti said. “A lot of local businesses missed us big time because we do a lot of private parties for them here.”
With the exception of the Grain Loft, BAR is back in the mix with regular hours and schedule, including the ever-popular Thursday “College Night” from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. featuring $1.00 shots, well drinks and domestic specials from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. with no cover charge all night.
“Wednesday, March 8, we will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Bru Room opening,” Ginnetti said. “We’ll be featuring special anniversary glasses, t-shirts and live music all night.”
Despite its closing, BAR is open to serve and the buzz is strong among students clamoring for more nightlife enjoyment in New Haven. “I’d definitely go back to show them support now that they’ve re-opened,” Jenn Press, senior communications major said.
“I’ve never been, but I hear it’s a good time,” said Brian McVet, senior English major.
“The fire wouldn’t stop me from checking it out in the future,” McVet said.