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.
