Cleaning up vomit out of urinals and scrubbing blood off the floor is hopefully over for Danny Hughes, a former manager at a local bar. Hughes and his fiancee, Joy Johnston, plan on providing a “more mature” bar experience downtown.
The couple held their grand opening of Loosey’s, at 120 SW First Ave., on Thursday night in the building that was formerly home to Market Street Pub for more than 20 years.
Due to financial problems, the pub was forced to close in August.
When the property’s real estate became available, Hughes and Johnston were hesitant on signing the lease but finally made it official on Oct. 11.
Hughes felt that his plans for the bar were drastically different from what Market Street used to be, and he decided to change the establishments name to Loosey’s after his dog, a loveable brown Floridian mutt.
The bar opened early last weekend to cater to people in town for Gainesville’s punk-rock festival the Fest 9. Hughes said it was worth the stress, considering the bar made about $4,200 in sales, covering a majority of their first month’s rent, which is $4,800.
According to Hughes, his new rock ‘n’ roll bar will cater to grad students and those looking for a more relaxing atmosphere.
“I was a general manager at Gator City for 10 years, and I loved the midtown area, but if I didn’t work there, I probably wouldn’t be in there,” Hughes said. “This bar we’re opening is a big-people place.”
Rachael Bruce, 22, said she enjoyed Market Street’s atmosphere, but after hearing a promotion for free beer by 100.5 The Buzz, she decided to see if the new bar was worth her time.
“I hate the atmosphere of midtown bars,” Bruce said. “I think this place has a cooler vibe, and it’s nice not to have beer spilt on you by frat boys.”
Hughes said the renovation costs to open the bar were $25,000 and that $10,000 was spent solely on repairing things the previous owners left behind.
“There was a smell and stickiness to the place when we began cleaning,” Johnston said. “We worked really hard to provide a place that will be comfortable for everyone.”
Loosey’s offers 20 beers on tap, 23 bottled beers and a full liquor bar. Focusing on local microbreweries is important to Hughes, and he also wants to bring more scotches and bourbons that can’t be offered anywhere else in town.
Chelsea Sims, a 23-year-old law student, said she enjoyed going to Market Street with friends because the bar was so close to her house.
“I love dive bars, and not having to swim through a crowd of 200 people to get a beer is a plus,” Sims said. “It’s cheaper to drink at home, but this place is definitely somewhere I will continue to go.”
Sims said another reason she came to Market Street was the concerts, and Loosey’s plans to continue to provide live entertainment as well as a variety of themed events, like karaoke and comedy nights.
The current hours are from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday. The owners also plan to start serving food in January.
“Hopefully down the road, our bar will be the cool place to go,” Hughes said.
