Posted May 10, 2021, 4:48 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,235
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Good article on the history and future of Char's, which closed during the pandemic but has new ownership and is on its way back:
https://www.azcentral.com/story/ente...er/4918970001/
Quote:
"We purchased the property next door, a little yellow, nondescript house that has a weird-looking neon sign in front," he says.
"So we are expanding the general concept of Char's with an outdoor patio space that connects the two buildings, transforming what Char's used to be into a different and more modern kind of entertainment experience — a food and beverage concept with a bar and live music."
He's hoping the addition of an outdoor patio will add to the appeal, creating the kind of vibe he enjoys at the Thunderbird Lounge, another Melrose district spot.
"Imagine an urban garden with string lights and just a very cool ambiance," he says.
For now, he and his business partner, San Diego-based real estate broker Peter Valleau, who purchased the property in November, are planning to retain at least the first part of the venue name.
"We don't think it will be called Char's Has the Blues," Cameron says.
"Because it won't just be a rhythm & blues club anymore."
Char's was frequently voted Best Blues Bar in Phoenix New Times' Best of Phoenix issue, most recently in 2019.
There will be nights for blues and R&B, he says.
"And we believe we're gonna work with the previous talent and get them locked into some good nights."
But the ultimate goal is to open it up a bit and "bring a different kind of flavor to the property, which we hope will become a little more eclectic," Cameron says.
He and his partner have completely renovated the interior of the 2,245-square-foot building north of Indian School Road on Seventh Avenue while preserving as much of its character as possible.
"The plumbing and electrical have been sort of a challenge, to be honest," Cameron says. "That's what's been taking so long. We're at the very tail end of our mechanicals and plumbing."
He would've liked to have preserved more of that character, but plumbing issues and the overall condition of the property made it hard to salvage everything he liked about the place.
"The character and history of the building is really important," Cameron says.
"I'm very big on trying to keep as much as we can. If you look at my track history in town here, I'm not the guy that knocks it down and builds it new. I try to fix it up and make it nice and modern, but keep as much of the integrity of the property because I really like old properties. I like the way they look, especially in this town."
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All things considered sounds really positive to me.
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