Future uncertain for Ann Arbor's Packard Pub after restaurant remains closed for weeks
Packard Pub, the sports bar located on the southwest corner of South State and Packard streets, was closed during the University of Michigan’s winter break.
The bar has yet to reopen - although students have been back to school for three weeks - raising questions about the future of the business. A sign on the door reads “Happy holidays, see you in 2012.”
Packard Pub has been closed since the University of Michigan's winter break. A sign on the door lists a phone number for a bankruptcy lawyer.
Lizzy Alfs | AnnArbor.com
A phone number listed on the sign is for Mike DiLaura & Associates, a bankruptcy lawyer based in Mount Clemens, Mich. DiLaura did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
It’s not the first time the bar has closed for an extended period of time with little notice. In summer 2011, the bar closed for weeks with a sign reading "Closed for renovation until August," but it eventually reopened when students returned.
The building, which is also occupied by a Subway sandwich shop and student apartments, is registered to Ronald Moore of Rdm Holdings Ltd in Saint Clair Shores, Mich. Moore did not respond to requests for comment.
Packard Pub opened in March 2010, filling the 3,500-square-foot space formerly occupied by Artisan Bistro. The business is registered to Michelle Prybyla in Chesterfield, Mich., who could not be reached for comment.
The business is up to date on its tax payments, according to city documents. It appears that it has not been listed for lease yet.
The sports bar underwent a management change in fall 2010 as sales dwindled, according to an article in the Michigan Daily. The pub cut its hours and number of employees due to low profits during its first six months.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
15crown00
Thu, Jan 26, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
Apparently they don't sell enough of whastever they sell to stay in business.when that haooens u go out of business.SIMPLE AS THAT.
treetowncartel
Thu, Jan 26, 2012 : 2:59 a.m.
For those of you talking double focus here is a great piece from a great guy that you might enjoy. <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/the-deuce/ann-arbor-pinball-history/">http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/the-deuce/ann-arbor-pinball-history/</a> And across the street was always a tuned up pinball machine at Belll's Pizza, a mainstay at that corner and perhaps some of the best pie in town. Their straight up cheese pizzza is the best their is.
djacks24
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 9:48 p.m.
Maybe if it was State street pub it would've survived?
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 8:51 p.m.
So, as long as we are playing "remember when", didn't that place used to be an arcade? Maybe a Double Focus or one of several Pinball Petes? - I'm leaning toward Pinball Petes here. My only memories of the place are pleasant, walking over and dumping many quarters in Joust. Then getting one of those funky 16.9 oz cokes from the Blue Front for another quarter. Never went there when it was a bar. It was alway on my to do list, but ... the parking and distance from other spots never let it bubble to the top, so I guess I am to blame. (sigh)
SMC
Thu, Jan 26, 2012 : 6:17 a.m.
I could have sworn the door to the arcade was right on the corner, but it's been a long, long time...
Castanza
Thu, Jan 26, 2012 : 12:58 a.m.
Actually it was a successful restaurant for many years called the Southside Grill back in the early to mid 80's. Double Focus and then Pinball Pete's were next door to the place towards hill St. I spent a lot of time at Double Focus, that place was the bomb
SMC
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 11:40 p.m.
Both answers are correct: It was Double Focus, until Pinball Pete's bought it.
Peter Baker
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 9:03 p.m.
It was a Pinball Pete's, they kept most of their classic games there. Dropped many a quarter on Ms. Pac-Man.
SMC
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 6:50 p.m.
Is Ann Arbor so over-saturated with bars that a pub in the middle of student-ville can't survive? You would think a bar with that location would come with a license to print money. Yes, there is no parking (as other comments have mentioned), but with the number of students that live within easy walking distance of the place, you'd think that wouldn't be an issue. Then again, I remember a Saturday night, years ago, when we visited Scorekeeper's, where the special that night was $.75 bottled beers. You'd think people would be lined up around the block, but the place was nearly dead. This was not in the summer, either.
treetowncartel
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.
Ain't nothing like a house party
Ross
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 4:44 p.m.
That place was (is) a dump. I was initially really excited to see it being renovated and getting set to open back in the day, as this neighborhood seemed a lock for lots of business (since the main st and south U bars are such a long walk away for this major sector of student housing). But the place was just a dimly lit scuzz-hole - they should have tried harder to make it an enjoyable place to be, instead of just a pitcher slamming pre-party or end of night runner up.
Kevin
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 6:09 p.m.
The basement of that place would rival any Alphabet City establishment in its heyday. Just filthy.
Joe_Citizen
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 4:19 p.m.
The future's uncertain, and the end is always near. (The Doors)
treetowncartel
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 8:27 p.m.
Let it roll..comment of the week
beeswing
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 2:22 p.m.
Oh, I remember it best back in the 80's, eating the absolutely best breakfast ever! Help me out here, what was the name of the place? I sure wish, with all the restaurant closings this week, that old wonderful dining spot could somehow magically re-appear!
4 Fingers
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 5:57 p.m.
Wasn't Bacchus Gardens there before SS Grill??
treetowncartel
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 5:54 p.m.
Charlie's Country Squire will always and forever be considered by myself as the best place to have breakfast in the entire County
ModifiedDog
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 5:25 p.m.
@Tom Whitker - Southside Grill was the best. I gained 30 lbs there after graduation.
Joe_Citizen
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 4:49 p.m.
YES, I remember the South Side Grill, and I have to agree. Achilles was a great breakfast too before the new owners came in.
beeswing
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.
Yes! Thanks, Tom.
Tom Whitaker
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 2:36 p.m.
Southside Grill
evenyoubrutus
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 2:09 p.m.
Where is Mt Clements? I have never heard of that place
Ed Kimball
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 9:42 p.m.
I thinks it's just one extra letter away from Mt. Clemens. ;-)
MRunner73
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.
Aside from students old enough to drink, there isn't much of a draw for older people. The location did not serve them well because of parking. Perhaps it is in worst possible location for parking. Bring back the old Delta restaurant.
Jojo B
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 1:33 p.m.
Geeze, it's restaurant closing week in Ann Arbor. Depressing.
Matt Lang
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 12:56 p.m.
That's too bad, but it's like feast or famine for them, they reap the benefits during football season being so close to the stadium, and then have almost no business April through August when all of the students are out of town. I have to wonder what has been the longest any business has operated in that spot, Artisan Bistro, Atlanta Bread, and a few others didn't last long there either.
lumberg48108
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.
I play softball and our sponsor is a campus bar - they are packed through June; especially during Red Wing playoff games - and we play on Tuesday nights! Downtown near E. University is always crazy busy at night when i am there .... its not as simple as "April through August when all of the students are out of town." because other places thrive and many students live in A2 year round.
mGill
Wed, Jan 25, 2012 : 1:07 p.m.
The bar has no parking. destined for problems..