Long-time University of Michigan student bar Mitch's Place is closed, according to its website.

The business - sold to Mitch Savas, who changed the name from Bicycle Jim's to Mitch's Place several years ago - originally operated at the northeast corner of South University and South Forest.

The bar moved from that building - owned by First Martin Corp. - into a second-level location on the southwest corner of the same intersection. It has operated there since about 2007.

Representatives from landlord A.F. Jonna said they couldn't comment this afternoon. A Mitch's representative did not respond to a an e-mail request for information.

According to state records, the bar - registered to Klee Inc. - has a transferrable Class C liquor license.

Competition from nearby bars - including the recently opened Blue Leprechaun just a few doors to the west - likely affected Mitch's Place, said Jim Chaconas, an Ann Arbor-based commercial real estate broker with Collier's International.

"There are only so many bars that can do so much business over there," Chaconas said.

State records show Mitch's wholesale liquor purchases fell 42 percent from 2008 through December 2009 to $10,525. Those totals don't include beer or wine. In comparison, the Blue Leprechaun bought over $107,000 in wholesale liquor during 2009.