Ypsilanti's Elbow Room to reopen tonight, but bar faces Web dilemma
The Elbow Room bar in Ypsilanti is set to reopen tonight, an attorney for the bar's owner said today.
Jim Jackson, attorney for Elbow Room owner Marion Campbell, said repairs have been made to rectify "extensive damage" at the bar after the previous manager, Andy Garris, left abruptly in June.
But the bar, which will host bands all weekend, now faces a new hurdle.
It appears someone loyal to Savoy, a rival bar to the Elbow Room that was once known as Club Divine and is located one block away, is using the Elbow Room's website and Facebook page to promote Savoy.
The Elbow Room is expected to reopen tonight.
File photo
"Have no fear - your favorite merry makers/libation pouring specialists from The Elbow Room have moved right down the street into our building (The Savoy, 23 North Washington, Ypsilanti, MI - one block north of The Elbow Room)," the website says. "Rest assured, Andy, Dustin, Nina, Hasan, Scarboni, & Doug, as well as the familiar faces of your favorite Elbow Room regulars, will all be here."
Someone with access to the Elbow Room's Facebook page, which has more than 1,400 fans, is using that page to promote Savoy, as well.
In post dated July 23, for example, the page says, "If you are missing the good times... have no fear! One block North of the ER, you will find all your drinking pals and favorite drink slingers! At Savoy (by Andy Garris), 10pm this evening! Come see the new home!"
It's unclear whether Elbow Room's ownership is aware of the situation with its website and Facebook page. Jackson, who spoke to AnnArbor.com this morning, could not be reached for comment after the situation was discovered this afternoon.
The Elbow Room closed temporarily in June to the surprise of owner Campbell, whose attorney has since been sorting through records to assess the bar's financial situation. Washtenaw County records showed unpaid property taxes on the building of $4,853.79 due on June 30.Jackson said the bar was left in disrepair when Garris, who operated it since 2007, quit in June.
"The mess has been cleaned up and the bar is opening up under new management," Jackson said today. "We’re working through the unpaid bills that were left behind by Mr. Garris."
Garris could not be reached for comment this afternoon.
In an interview published last week by the website iSPY, he said: "We had an incredible run at the Elbow Room. With that being said, the opportunity came up to do something many folks said can not be done. If you know me, then you know that I love to take on a challenge. I look at Savoy, and it is such an incredible space. With a capacity of 701, we can create a venue that doesn’t exist anywhere in the area. Once a band is too big for the Blind Pig there is nowhere to go locally, and I think we can be that place."
He added: "Building upon the amazing hard work and heart of the community everyone put into making the Elbow Room what it had become over the past few years, this seems like a natural progression for us."
Contact AnnArbor.com's Nathan Bomey at (734) 623-2587 or nathanbomey@annarbor.com. You can also follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's newsletters.
Comments
Eric Empson
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 9:53 a.m.
I just wanted to drop a note about The Savoy in Ypsilanti. We performed there on Saturday August 21st for a "Pink Floyd Tribute Night". I want to give this establishment the HIGHEST recommendation. Everyone should want to play there and be telling all their friends to support this first rate, professional venue. Here's a quick breakdown. MANAGEMENT: Andy Garris was friendly and helped promote the event. Not only does he pour great drinks reasonably priced, but he offered compensation, I didn't have to ask. Those who play out know how rare this is. He provided us with drink tickets as well. PERFORMANCE: The stage is of decent size and is well monitored with drum speaker, individual wedges and double wedged monitors for great sound on stage. There is a tasteful sized drum riser as well. The house sounded wonderful. Jerry the sound guy was extremely adept and friendly and made us sound like Pink Floyd. Beautiful verbs and sweet delay rolloff's. The lighting and fog was also a treat. The lights pulsated changes with the music and the smoke created a big show feel. THE ROOM: This place is large and very beautiful. Hard wood floors, leather couch seating, just a clasy setup. High, comfortable bar stools and big tables made for easy viewing. A secure area for empty cases that did not crowd the floor. There was a serviceable dressing room that none of us spent very much time in, but is also a nice option if you're a rock star. In every way this was a professional experience. The place is large and can accommodate several hundreds of attendees. Cover is more than reasonable. We as a community have to support Ypsilanti finally having an establishment like this. Go out and watch some live music or just go buy drinks. This place needs our support financially and through word of mouth. "Mumble" plans on scheduling their long awaited record release here. We feel it will be honor to perform there and we hope to see you there if and when thta materializes and other nights as well. Thank you Savoy! Eric Empson and the men of mumble
yoteach
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 12:31 a.m.
I feel private business owners should be supporting one another, not trying to deface each other. If it is Garris writing those posts on facebook and the ER website, I feel it is immature and bad business practices. He is moving on to a bigger venue, where he will have new opportunies, there is no reason for him to try to "steal" business from the ER. Although the ER and Savoy are going to bring in similar crowds, I doubt they will be fighting for the same clientel. If anything, it will give the people in Ypsi more variety and may bring more business to the area. If anything, I would think that Garris would want his former business to prosper... why not try to help out another local business owner rather than try to steal their business and bad mouth them before they can open or have a chance to survive? Ann Arbor and Ypsi are so big on local businesses that I would think they would want to help each other out and support one another. Hopefully Garris will stop using the ER website and facebook page to promote Savoy... after all it is making him look petty, immature and is giving him bad karma. Why not get his own website to promote his new bar? That seems to make the most sense out of the situation. I've been to the ER and the new owners have put a lot of time and effort into it. The new graffeti on the wall is insane and done by a local artist. They also have an amazing sound system, lots of local beers as well as newly renovated things. They are doing tons of specials and cheap drinks... Hopefully both bars will be able to strive and do well as well as learn to survive being only a block away from one another.
yoteach
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 12:30 a.m.
I feel private business owners should be supporting one another, not trying to deface each other. If it is Garris writing those posts on facebook and the ER website, I feel it is immature and bad business practices. He is moving on to a bigger venue, where he will have new opportunies, there is no reason for him to try to "steal" business from the ER. Although the ER and Savoy are going to bring in similar crowds, I doubt they will be fighting for the same clientel. If anything, it will give the people in Ypsi more variety and may bring more business to the area. If anything, I would think that Garris would want his former business to prosper... why not try to help out another local business owner rather than try to steal their business and bad mouth them before they can open or have a chance to survive? Ann Arbor and Ypsi are so big on local businesses that I would think they would want to help each other out and support one another. Hopefully Garris will stop using the ER website and facebook page to promote Savoy... after all it is making him look petty, immature and is giving him bad karma. Why not get his own website to promote his new bar? That seems to make the most sense out of the situation. I've been to the ER and the new owners have put a lot of time and effort into it. The new graffeti on the wall is insane and done by a local artist. They also have an amazing sound system, lots of local beers as well as newly renovated things. They are doing tons of specials and cheap drinks... Hopefully both bars will be able to strive and do well as well as learn to survive being only a block away from one another.
gibby76
Sat, Aug 21, 2010 : 2:28 p.m.
@Speechless well just realize how Garris was so unprofessional and then maybe you'll see the Campbell's position. Not to mention taking advantage of their internet portals. They depended on him and he stabbed them in the back.
Speechless
Sat, Aug 21, 2010 : 1:37 p.m.
I have an issue with a certain dynamic found in some criticism of the article. Obviously, when any news site presents a report that resists definitive conclusions due to incomplete information, they have an ethical obligation to exercise impartiality and acknowledge the topic's gray areas to readers. Some of the comments, however, appear to go beyond critiquing this site's editorial judgement calls. The implication is that whenever the available information is insufficient to draw firm conclusions and paint a complete picture, the report should not be published. As policy, apparently, a news site should always refrain until all meaningful variables are accounted for. If, for some reason, annarbor.com were to actually practice the above, then those associated with the Savoy, or anyone else centrally relevant to this story, could instigate and manipulate a de facto news blackout to their own advantage by refusing to speak to reporters or editors on the record. This story clearly lacks completeness. Nevertheless, it's exasperating to read commentary that effectively tells reporters to shut up until such time as certain individuals feel in the mood to speak openly about the Elbow Room.
Speechless
Sat, Aug 21, 2010 : 1:22 p.m.
What can be gathered is that the Elbow Room ownership has now reopened the place after finally dealing with deferred maintenance, which they try to blame on the previous hired help, while they also fell behind on taxes. Meanwhile, the Elbow's former manager-but-never-quite-owner suddenly moved on, and some configuration of former staff and friends play fast and loose with public perception of this barroom's drama through its Savoy-pointing web sites, not to mention this site's earlier "closing party" article. Maybe, just maybe, assuming wild speculation will be tolerated here, there exists a teensy drop of foul blood between the Elbow ownership and Garris.
Jeremy
Sat, Aug 21, 2010 : 9:56 a.m.
Was I a regular at the "old" Elbow? Yes. Am I biased here? Most likely. Has there been an attempt by the owners to purchase those sites back? Probably not. Did the previous owners ever fix anything in the bar? Rarely, if at all, it seems. Did the Elbow's clientele help fix it up? Yes. Is the owner's attorney making libelous comments towards the former manager? Yes. Did it ever occur to you that since the former manager now works at Savoy nearly 7 days a week, he may be sleeping when the reporter tries to call - since a normal bar management shift goes from 6 or 7P until about 4 or 4:30 A? Did the reporter try walking into the bar and interviewing Savoy's new manager? I wonder.
Terrin
Sat, Aug 21, 2010 : 8:50 a.m.
As an attorney, I can tell you that it really doesn't matter who established the Website and Facebook page unless the Elbow Room's owner is using the sites to send business away (unlikely). One cannot legally establish a Website and Facebook page in somebody else's business name. That would potentially involve unfair competition, trademark, and domain registration violations. Further, if the previous management created the Website and Facebook page (as was suggested by somebody here) it was done for his employer The Elbow Room. The old management can't now use the Web Site and Face Book page for it's own uses even if it technically owns the web sites. Try opening up a web site that comes across as being affiliated with MacDonalds and pointing business to Burger King. An army of MacDonald lawyers will bury you in the sea after taking all your money. If you don't point business to Burger King, you probably will stay out of the sea, but you will be broke.
justcary
Sat, Aug 21, 2010 : 8:49 a.m.
Couldn't find the 'dilemma' in the article. Problems, yes.
Paula Gardner
Sat, Aug 21, 2010 : 7:02 a.m.
@murph, There's no indication that anything has changed with "name ownership" since the last article on the bar. The Elbow Room remains registered with the state by the Campbell family, as it has since 1997. Names on the registration have changed to reflect Art Campbell's death and heirs taking possession of it. Same situation with the liquor license.
timboslice
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 11:43 p.m.
So sad I now have to comment on this... Did anyone care to think why said writer/reporter used the word "rival" bar?! Have you been to Ypsi? Where's the rivalry? This is another disappointing attempt to perpetuate a negative ambiance for a community not named Ann Arbor. Oh by the way, this just in, facebook isn't real life and unavailable for comment means just that. Ypsi as a community is trying to build and grow together. Ann Arbor, I get it, you're too cool and proper for Ypsi but why must there be a constant negative stereotype? There are good people doing good things in this town and most get overlooked without a second thought. Just let it be. From a random hole in the wall bar to our university, at the very least you could have respect. Dont like it, I could care less, but at the very least respect it. You've done none since inception. Stop being a PR source for Ann Arbor and start reporting real news. Or stop pretending to be a news source. Thanks.
djm12652
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 8:07 p.m.
Is annarbor.com so desperate for "news" that they write about unknown persons, unsubstantiated yet slanderous claims about someone without verifying any of these claims? Damage to property? You have repeatedly mentioned about back property taxes...unless you know more about any business agreements between the owner and previous management, responsibilities etc...quit trying to make this newsworthy...
AndyYpsilanti
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 7:48 p.m.
@Lokalisierung, you clearly havn't been to Savoy since the management changed, because the whole shows at 8, Dj at 12 thing went away when Mr. Garris took over. The bar stock went up, prices went down, service got better. The place is has a fighting chance to fill it's potental as a venue. Go down and check out Laith Al-Saadi free on a Monday night and see for yourself (just not this Monday, Laith is out of town...) As I write this, I got a text to go check out the Elbow Room tonight, no cover, and one of the bands playing is called Zoumoiuntchi. Apparently I know someone in the band....
Brian
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 7:45 p.m.
@Edward R - Sorry, just realized I inferred that you inferred that I made in inference. Apologies. Funny how that happens when facts are not clearly and wholly laid out in front of the reader; lots of speculation and conjecture happens, as I think this article and resulting thread remarkably demonstrate.
Brian
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 7:10 p.m.
@Edward R - I didn't say that there was a slant, just that the use of the possessive in the sentence was factless, regardless of the use of the word "appears" or not, and should have been questioned, and in my opinion omitted, before the story was published. You merely inferred I was making my comment because I felt the article was biased. It's a double edged sword; what you read, and what's actually written - we should all keep that in mind.
Brian
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 5:10 p.m.
Ok then, Factual Error: "is using the Elbow Room's website and Facebook page to promote Savoy." Perhaps less factual error, than it is a factless error. Wouldn't you say it s bit difficult to assess ownership of these if neither side is commenting or knew about them? Let alone assessing the mind bending ability of one to have "ownership" of a Facebook page itself? Try reading those Terms of Service without having to get up for a bathroom break, but who knows perhaps the editors and Nathan both have. Regardless the use of the possessive apostrophe 's' at the end of Elbow Room, in my opinion, should have been caught and questioned by the editor before the articles publishing. Don't you?
Cash
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 4:18 p.m.
@murph, Exactly right. An article like this is an embarrassment to all of us. We should expect better. Just my opinion. And this is my last post on the subject. :-)
murph
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 4:01 p.m.
Is it even clear that the owners of the building / liquor license 6 S Washington own the name "Elbow Room"? IIRC, Garris was at some point attempting to purchase business, liquor license, and building, to varying degrees of success. I can imagine a situation where it's not that a friend of Garris' is squatting on the domain name without the Elbow Room's permission, but that the owners of the building are using the name "Elbow Room" without Garris' permission. I'm not saying I know that potential twist to be the case, but I'd be careful slinging around legal advice or accusations without checking the paperwork.
Cash
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 3:40 p.m.
County Kate, I am not a reporter. This has been an issue over and over again with AA.com. Someone calls them with something and the run with it. In this case, we have lawyers posting here, including their business advertising, which is to me, not appropriate when no one knows all of the facts. Again, I'm not working for Ann Arbor.com. I have zero responsibility to dig in and get the facts. This is a reporters job and what I expect from the media. Again, not my job to report. But I will express my disgust with poor journalism. I expect the media to research a story. If you don't, that's fine. And I expect the media to do the research, not posters. If you think this is a balanced article, that's fine. I don't.
CountyKate
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 3:21 p.m.
Do they, Jeremy? If they have actual information, wouldn't you think they'd put it out here and label it as such, instead of simply complaining and questioning the veracity of the reporters? Andy Garris was the manager of the Elbow room. He didn't own it, so he was an employee. So, if he set up the website as part of his job - and why would he otherwise set it up? - then it belongs to the Elbow Room's owner. I wouldn't know Andy Garris if he was walking toward me, but it seems he has some 'splaining to do. I do know Dave Curtis, owner of the Savoy, and I would be very surprised if he has anything to do with any underhanded act. Dave ought to return annarbor.com's phone call - if he's even been told about it.
brad
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 3:20 p.m.
Additionally, does anyone know who is playing at the Elbow Room this weekend? Amused that the story references bands being there all weekend, but neither the story nor the events section of AA.COM include reference to which bands will be there.
Jeremy
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 3:13 p.m.
Actually, and someone should have pointed this out... the actual site for the newly managed version of the Savoy is http://www.savoyypsi.com/
brad
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 3:07 p.m.
@Cash: Can't disagree with you on the lack of balance. The article reads more like a press release mixed with elements of a school yard fight than what one would expect in a newspaper. My point was just because Garris is listed as contact/administrator for the domain doesn't 100% guarantee he owned the domain. It just makes it likely. I have to wonder if the new managers of the Elbow Room have contacted Garris regarding the domain and Facebook page, to see if he'd be willing to transfer control of either, or at least delete both and let the "new" Elbow Room start fresh. Any chance AA.COM could follow up the owners / new management on that front?
Jeremy
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 2:50 p.m.
@Cash and @AndyYpsilanti have the actual story here.
Lokalisierung
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 2:35 p.m.
I'll be looking forward to the Elbow Room being back in businesss. Savoy is kind of a joke due to the new managment/ownership (you can never be too sure what the facts are). Paying cover for some DJ, what a joke.
Cash
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 2:33 p.m.
Actually the key to everything is getting a balanced story.
brad
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 2:19 p.m.
Per whois.domaintools.com, the administrative and technical contact for theelbowroombar.com is Andy Garris, and the registrant's address is the Elbow Room's mailing address. It appears the URL for the pre-Garris version of the Elbow Room, ypsielbow.com, is still registered to a "Private Registrant." If I recall correctly, there wasn't really a transition between the two -- ypsielbow stayed live with old content for quite a while, making Google searches for the current Elbow Room schedule surprisingly difficult. The key in both situations may be whether the owners of the Elbow Room footed the bill for domain registration/hosting/upkeep, or if the registrants did. Following that, the next question is whether the owner of the Elbow Room would care to pursue either/both domain(s), or would rather register for a new one. elbowroomypsi.com is currently available, for what it's worth.
AndyYpsilanti
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 2:18 p.m.
I hate to point this out, but the Elbowroom's website and FB page were both established and opperated by the former management. Totally shocking that they used it to tell everyone they moved to. Come to think of it, the management started the new website and FB when they parted ways with the old sound guy, because he ran the previous ones. I can't say exactly how absentee the owner has or hasn't been (hey, wouldn't the owner be responsible for keeping the building in good condition too, come to think of it?) but I am certain about their internet presence. This isn't article isn't news, it's gossip, with a little free advertising and wild accusation thrown in.
carush
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 2:05 p.m.
My mistake, that should have read "theelbowroombar.com".... Carol Shepherd Arborlaw PLC
carush
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 2:03 p.m.
I sure hope that whomever is placing Savoy content and advertising on "theelbowroom.com" is not associated with the Savoy itself. How much legal liability could there be for that? Well, it raises questions of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and domain name registration violations. If a court were to find 'willful and knowing' trademark infringement against one of the Savoy's owners or employees, the court could order the Savoy to pay some of its profits over for misappropriation of the trade name. IMO it's not an open and shut case but definitely one that could have its day in court. If I were the ownership of the Savoy, I would get that content taken down and consult with a business attorney immediately. Carol Shepherd Arborlaw PLC (I do not represent either side in this, I am just presenting my own opinions as a long-term resident.)
Cash
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 2:01 p.m.
@CountyKate: 1. Can anyone prove Andy Garris left "abruptly"? As I recall there was an article here about the party that was held when he was leaving. 2. Who "owns" that website? Did the old manager pay for it? 3. Was there really "extensive damage" at the bar when the manager left "abruptly"? 4. Were the unpaid bills unpaid by Mr Garris or by the owner? 5 "the bar was left in disrepair" repeated again. Did the owner pay for repairs? I do not know this man, Mr Garris, from Adam, but it seems he is taking a lot of blame for the demise of a place that is owned by someone who didn't even know it was closing or that they had a website....all of this according to the attorney, not the owner. Too many holes in this story. Last time there were stories about this place, one day we got one story then the next day we got another story. Frankly as I don't see this as earth shattering breaking news, I'd rather see media wait for the whole story. Even if it takes three phone calls.
CountyKate
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 1:47 p.m.
Cash, I think you're going a bit overboard here. I don't read as much hyperbole into this story as you seem to. The fact is, someone - and no names are mentioned - IS using the Elbow Room's web site and Facebook page to promote the Savoy. Which is low, sneaky and underhanded, but we don't know who is doing it and the story doesn't point any fingers. I don't see any "attack" here at all. I'm happy the Elbow Room has reopened. I hope they get the web site and Facebook mess straightened out.
1bigbud
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 1:46 p.m.
Is this front page NEWS or a none paid Ad I am glad to see the Elbow Room Bar reopen BUTTTT Slow day in the news Room
Cash
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 1:36 p.m.
I'm really shocked you'd attack another business like this without verifying the information. Have you verified who is paying for the website? You make two calls and then take shots (and a lead story mind you) at another business, without any verification? That is very dangerous and very sad for businesses try to survive in this economy.
Nathan Bomey
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 1:29 p.m.
@Cash, Thanks for reading. Savoy has failed to respond to two phone calls. I'll update this story if I speak to Savoy or Garris. Note, however, that Garris also failed to respond to repeated attempts to contact him by AnnArbor.com Business News Editor Paula Gardner when Elbow Room closed in June. http://www.annarbor.com/business-review/elbow-rooms-owner-seeking-new-manager-for-downtown-ypsilanti-bar/
Top Cat
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 1:25 p.m.
@SemperFi. That was exactly what the Water Brothers Pub was in Dexter before the current iteration of the Dexter Pub. I've been searching for a replacement since without success.
Cash
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 1:20 p.m.
Wow, this really takes the cake for the most one-sided article I've ever read here. Goodness! Did anyone interview the owner of Savoy who has been running his businesses downtown for the past several years? It's not right to slam another business without also interviewing the owner of that business and finding out the real story. Oh and if the owner of Elbow Room didn't know that someone was allegedly using their page, who even told them? If the owner of an establishment doesn't even know it's closed, I would assume they haven't been paying any attention at all. Poor way to run a business and that's no one's fault but their own. It sounds like they had deserted their manager long before the manager deserted them.
SemperFi
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 1:13 p.m.
Does anybody know of a quiet, little bar where you can sip a cold, longneck and listen to Patsy Cline on the jukebox? I ain't asking for much.