AMHERST — Olde Towne Tavern, a bar in business for nearly a decade at the northern end of downtown, recently closed after surrendering its all-alcohol liquor license to the town.

Opened in spring 2011 at 1 Pray St., the 1,872-square foot site, with seating for 99 patrons, was previously the long-time home of Charlie’s.

Steven McCarthy, licensing coordinator for the town, confirmed that the town in August received a request to give up the license from its manager, Michael McLaughlin.

McMurphy’s Uptown Tavern, which McLaughlin also has ownership in, will be hosting a “funeral” for Olde Towne Tavern from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, according to a Facebook post that reads: “Please come and say your final good-bye as we celebrate the life and memory of our beautiful bar.”

McLaughlin referred questions about the reasons for the closing, and the future of the Olde Towne Tavern site, to his landlord, Jones Properties. Representatives from Jones Properties did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday.

The location is in proximity to the One East Pleasant and Kendrick Place mixed-use developments and is a neighbor to The Pub and the Summerlin and Piper buildings, all of which earlier this year were approved for demolition, possibly for new development.

All signs and other elements of Olde Towne Tavern’s presence have been removed from the building. It had shared a spot in a building with Minuteman Cleaners, which closed after 30 years in business on Aug. 2 following the retirement of its owners, and UniverSuds laundromat.

Olde Town Tavern was also near the expanded Spoke bar, which has attracted large crowds since taking over space previously used by The Sub restaurant.

In an Aug. 10 post on the Olde Towne Tavern’s Facebook page, a reference is made to the bar’s closing though financial reasons are not mentioned: “2019 was all around the best year we’ve ever had and we were so eager to go back at it this school year. Unfortunately, that will not be happening,” the post reads. 

When opened eight years ago, the owners had a goal of recreating a neighborhood bar feel and a place that attracts graduate students and young professionals.

Charlie's began life in the 1970s when Richard Slobody purchased the sit-down restaurant from Charlie Tsialiamanis. Charlie's then became known for its 10-cent chicken wing nights and Jim Beam and Coke specials before it changed ownership in 2006.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.]]>