Hot Bar Reopens
Hot canoodling bar to reopen in Rice Village months after surprise shuttering: "Orphaned" regulars rejoice?
A well-regarded Rice Village bar is getting a new lease on life. Simone on Sunset revealed Thursday that it plans to reopen.
According to a representative, former owner Kristen Powell's partners have assumed control of the space. They're planning to reopen the popular patio bar in May once they receive a liquor license, which is a process they recently initiated.
Simone unexpectedly closed in December when landlord Fred Sharifi locked Powell out for alleged late and non-payment of rent. Powell tells CultureMap she is still working on reopening her own space, but she is no longer involved with Simone.
As for the new Simone, it will be a lot like the old Simone.
As for the new Simone, it will be a lot like the old Simone. Many former employees are planning to return, according to the representative, and the bar will have the same features like the Monday night burger night and Wednesday night pizza night. Whether the clandestine back room is still a safe haven for canoodling remains to be seen of course, but the first wave of customers will likely find out for themselves.
The new owners are "excited to see their customers who have been orphaned" since the closure, the bar's rep concludes.
Are you looking forward to Simone's return, or have you found a new place to drink? Sound off in the comments.
