Putt's Bar and Grill hosts parking lot party Saturday amid temporary closure

Friday, June 7, 2024 at 6:30 AM

It's been a rough start to the summer months for Monica Smith, owner to Putt's Bar & Grill in Rochester.

Owning the business for more than four years, the looming foundation issues tied to the neighboring property directly to the east, formerly the building for Putt's Bails Bonds was something, Smith hoped, wouldn't affect the business operation at the bar.

As time went on, and the foundation problems grew, Smith began working with City of Rochester officials and building commissioners to figure out a plan.

Costs for correcting the foundation of the neighboring building soared, with estimates climbing to more than $170,000.

Not only was that out of Smith's budget, the foundation problem was also not Smith's property.

Looking for a way to continue running Putt's Bar & Grill, safely, Smith continued to brainstorm ideas that ranged from correcting the problem, to tearing the corner lot down.

Things came to a head at the start of May, however, when growing safety issues concerning the adjacent building affecting the bar prompted an emergency shut down to Smith's business.

Although the shutdown meant customers weren't allowed in the bar, Smith was given til the end of May to get all of her things from the bar out, including the food.

Loyal customers, community members, friends, and family helped keep Smith afloat by ordering carry-out for the next few weeks, while the bar owner figured out her next step.

Wanting to thank the support she's been given the past few years, Smith's wanting to celebrate her customers with a 'Parking Lot Party' this weekend behind Putts Bar and Grill on Saturday, June 8, from noon to 6 p.m.

Smith said the event will include live music, a beer garden, Tate's Dogs, snacks, corn hole, and good company.

Smith says she hopes to have the bar running again soon. Business owner Levi Brown ,of LCB Enterprises, Inc. said he and his crew have been working on the shoring of the neighboring building to keep things safe, and hopefully get Smith back up and running soon.

Smith says when things do open again, there will be some changes. A new name is in the works for the business, Smith said, but has yet to be made public what it will officially be.

Smith has also wanted to highlight the bar history from its original start in the late 1800's when it was Chamberlain's Bar and Lounge. Last week, Smith hung an original sign from Chamberlain's above the Eighth St sidewalk.