Originally opened in 1964, Kettering’s Phone Booth Lounge has become a regular spot for so many, whether for Wii bowling on Monday, trivia on Tuesday or karaoke on Wednesday. The generously poured cocktails, the comfort bar food, games of pool for $1 and local bands have kept this neighborhood bar packed for years. We highlighted this venue in Feb 2016 in our Dive Bar Series, read about it here.
But it may all be coming to an end in January. Today owners Betty and Jack posted this message on their facebook page:
As of February 1st it has been 5 years since Betty and I bought the business, The Phone Booth Lounge. When we bought the business, we did so with a 5 year lease with the option to buy the property upon completion of the Lease. We are saddened to report that negotiations with the owners of the property have fallen apart. They are asking 250 % more than the appraised value of the property. To meet these demands would be a financial disaster for Betty and me. We are announcing today that the Phone Booth Lounge will close on January 20th, 2018. Betty and I are searching for a new venue to continue the name and second home to so many The Phone Booth Lounge. We have come so far in 5 years, we hate to end it at this location, but greed has over shadowed the success of what Betty and I have built. We have so many people to thank for this success. But just keep in mind, we will prevail and be better than ever. We will post any updates as they arise.
Thank you for your support
Jack and Betty.
