Abari Game Bar announces it will not reopen its Optimist Park spot after COVID-19
After being on track for its best year yet in the four years it was open, Abari Game Bar has suffered quite a blow over the last handful of months due to COVID-19.
On Thursday, Aug. 6, the Charlotte bar announced its final straw — for now, at least. The owner received a phone call from the landlord stating that the game bar’s lease will not be renewed in its current location at the border of Villa Heights and Optimist Park.
“The sale of our building and some surrounding land is being negotiated, and Abari will not have a home at 1721 N. Davidson in the near future. Like most places in the city, developers are stifling creativity and killing small business. Charlotte has a huge identity crisis going on with a mass exodus of culture and originality and a huge influx of luxury apartments, condos, and regional/national chain businesses,” read a statement on Abari’s Facebook page on Thursday evening.
“With the uncertainty of the future of the virus and closings, it is unclear on the future of Abari. As it currently stands, Abari will not be reopening. While I will continue to look for another location, I do not have any idea on if reopening is a possibility. A combination of the virus and unaffordable rent are the main reasons for this.”
In June, owner Zach Pulliam told CharlotteFive that the coronavirus COVID-19 had already taken a third of the year’s revenue and depleted the bar’s savings. Customers pulled together to try to help, calling the bar their home away from home. With the support of the game bar’s regulars and a GoFundMe account that met its goal, covering two months of rent, Pulliam tried to keep the community together by hosting activities including rooftop concerts and auctions.
“Over these past 5 months of being closed, we have tried to stay engaged with our community. We have tried to do events that we think are not only unique but showcase the talent here in Charlotte. While some have been successful, and some not, they have all been a joy to do,” stated the Facebook post.
“Thank you everyone for the love and support you have given us, not only during the pandemic, but during our prime as well. We love you all and we will miss you dearly.”
This story is developing and may be updated.
This story was originally published August 6, 2020 at 10:14 PM.
