Opinions Mixed on New Bars

Some local officials have said that with more than 30 bars and clubs -- not including restaurants -- already established downtown, the market is filled to the brim.

Aaron Nelson, executive director of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, said he does not think there is a demand for more bars in downtown Chapel Hill. "I don't think we need another bar on Franklin Street. I think there are 40-something places you can get alcohol," Nelson said.

Chapel Hill Town Council member Jim Ward said he has been living in the area for a long time and has seen many downtown bars come and go. Ward said that with the new additions to nightlife, he thinks Chapel Hill's market for drinking establishments has perhaps reached a "saturation point."

But many owners of existing bars think new late-night spots, such as The Library and Rumrunners, only will help their business.

West End Wine Bar owner Jared Resnick said the variety of places in downtown encourages more customers for all Franklin Street clubs and taverns. "The more businesses we can bring in, the better."

Resnick, whose bar recently opened a new addition, said there always will be a market for more late-night hangouts downtown.

Tom Herzog, part owner of Spanky's, Zog's Pool and 411 West, said he agreed with Resnick's sentiment that new clubs and taverns will lead to more customers for existing establishments.

But Herzog said a new bar might have trouble surviving in the downtown market after its novelty wears off.

"New bars do really well for the first few months because they're the new thing," he said. "In the long run, it's harder for a new bar to stay open."

Nelson said that as the head of he Chamber of Commerce, he frequently advises business owners and potential owners in the area.

The chamber does not seek out or discourage specific types of businesses, but if someone came to him with an idea to open a bar, he might suggest "a more creative use for a business downtown," Nelson said.

He also said he does not think new clubs and bars benefit other non-nightlife businesses on Franklin Street.

"I think places that function solely as bars and only open in the evening don't bring a lot of business and purchasing to other businesses downtown," Nelson said.

But Carrboro Alderman Mark Dorosin, who owns the nightclub Hell, said bars and clubs contribute to a "vibrant downtown."

"Some businesses attract people during the day, and restaurants and bars attract people at night." he said.

Dorosin said that downtown is the only desirable location for a bar in Chapel Hill and that Hell would not be as successful if it weren't located near downtown.

When people are considering where to party the night away, having a location within walking distance of students matters, Dorosin said. "I think people take into consideration if they're going to have to drive or not."

The City Editor can be reached at citydesk@unc.edu.