New employees to be the only major change at Players

The new owner of Players said customers of the Franklin Street night club will see very little change under new leadership — except for a completely new lineup of employees.

“New ownership, new staff,” was the explanation that new owner Michael Rosenbacher had for the staff switch, adding that such actions are routine after businesses change hands.

More than 30 employees were told Tuesday that they would no longer be employed with the club.

The former employees said they were not notified about the former owner’s plans to sell and are now protesting loss of their jobs.

Former Players owner George Draper said he did not want to discuss the sale of Players.

“We had a really great work environment,” said Drew Smith, a former club manager. “We’re more of a family than we are a staff.”

Other employees said loyal customers might not return to the club after the sudden layoffs.

“I think they’re going to have a hard time getting good business again,” said Brian Doran, a former bouncer.

But Rosenbacher said that he is not worried about the employees’ protests keeping people from going to Players.

Rosenbacher said he bought the club because it already had an established brand presence, and he wouldn’t have to start from scratch to build an image.

He also has a personal connection to the town, growing up in Chapel Hill and graduating from UNC in 1988.

“It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “It has a great name and reputation, and we don’t want to change that.”

The club will continue its normal hours from Tuesday to Saturday, and Players is hosting former UNC linebacker Chase Rice for a country album release party and concert at 10 p.m. tonight.

“I hope it doesn’t effect whether people come,” Rice said, adding that he has been getting messages from people who thought that the club is closed.



City Editor Sarah Frier contributed reporting.

Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.