It's official. Gabby's owner Jeff Ormond said he has finalized a deal to sell his northeast Minneapolis bar to Leslie Bock, the owner of Psycho Suzi's. Gabby's last night in operation was Friday. Earlier this week, Ormond sounded both excited and somber as he said goodbye to his business of 24 years. "It still hasn't hit home," he said. "It's like saying goodbye to your family."

Ormond won't be reopening Gabby's anywhere else, but he hasn't ruled out returning to the bar business someday.

One thing he's seriously thinking about: politics. His interest in public office comes as a result of Gabby's three-year fight with the city over late-night disturbances near the bar. The battle ended last year in a win for Ormond -- and a settlement worth about $200,000.

This week, however, Ormond was thinking about the old days at Gabby's, including its wild country nights from 20 years ago, its packed "Melrose Place" parties (remember that TV show?) and its transition into a hip-hop hotbed.

While Ormond's plans are up in the air, he wished Bock well: "She'll do very well," he said. "She has a great concept." Bock wants to open her supersized Psycho Suzi's in the fall.

More comedy in the 'burbs The funniest mailman around, Joe Tanner, is expanding his after-hours job. The comedian, who operates Laughter in the Loft at Paddy Wagon's in Coon Rapids, will open another comedy room Friday. Tanner and MinneHaHa Comedy are partnering on the Comedy Barn, which will kick off with monthly shows at the Maple Tavern in Maple Grove.

The renovated restaurant is in the same building that once housed Pulaski's Palace. This Friday's show will feature headliner John Bush. Wild Bill Bauer will perform Aug. 20, and Alex Cole headlines Sept. 17. Tanner books acts that are "cable clean," meaning the jokes don't get too raunchy. He hopes to ramp up the shows in the 200-person space to a biweekly format in the fall.

7:30 p.m. Fri. 9375 Deerwood Lane N., Maple Grove. $10. Reservations: 763-438-9168 or www.heyjoetanner.com.

Summit's new beer: big and boozy The fourth installment of Summit's limited Unchained series hits the market Monday. The Belgian Style Golden Ale is being described as a bit fruity, a bit spicy and very strong (in fact, it's the brewery's strongest beer yet, 8.6% ABV). Summit is going all out with the kickoff parties: Longfellow Grill (6-7:30 p.m. Mon.), Groveland Tap (8-9:30 p.m. Mon.), Punch Pizza (Grand Avenue, 4-6 p.m. Tue.), Grumpy's NE (6 p.m. Wed.), Sweeney's (6 p.m. Thu.) and Rudolph's (6-8 p.m. Thu.).

More info: www.summitbrewing.com.

Benefit for a familiar face One of the nightlife scene's most popular doormen, Ross Kuha, 32, passed away suddenly on June 29. The dedicated doorman spent the past six years stationed in front of Spin nightclub, missing only two nights of work (for his wedding), said corporate manager Dan DiNovis. The club will hold a benefit for Kuha's family on Monday. Proceeds from the night's suggested cover charge and a silent auction will go to his family, as well as part of the drink sales.

8 p.m.-midnight Mon. 10 S. 5th St., Mpls. $10.

612-333-5055. www.spinmn.com.

TOM HORGEN