Downtown nightclub owner John Delgado has announced he is closing The Draft House bar, less than a week after the city’s Alcoholic Beverage and Control board gave him until the end of the year to pay the bar’s delinquent sales taxes.
In a statement posted on the bar’s Facebook page and provided to Daily Report, Delgado says “After three years of bringing our great draft beer selection to Baton Rouge, we have decided to focus on our other businesses, Huey’s Bar and 1913,” which are also located on Third Street. “All of our staff will be given the opportunity to work at either of our sister concepts, and we hope you will visit them there”
Delgado does not say what prompted the move to close the bar. But multiple sources familiar with the situation tell Daily Report the former Metro Council member was evicted by the building’s owners, who recently signed a lease with a local restaurant group that plans to open a new bar/restaurant concept in the space.
The Lafayette-based property owners, Eric Macicek and Brandt Broussard, have not responded to multiple calls seeking comment.
When asked about the eviction last week, Delgado declined to comment, saying at the time, “We are in the process of discussing whether we stay in that location with the landlord.”
Delgado’s trio of Third Street bars were among 12 businesses called before the city-parish ABC board Sept. 28 for delinquent sales taxes. Delgado estimated he owes about $30,000 for the three establishments combined, blaming a sluggish summer for getting behind on his taxes.
In his statement, he says beginning Nov. 1 Huey’s will extend its hours and will have an expanded 24-tap beer menu. Also, Delgado adds, 1913 will experience some changes to include live music.
The Draft House will close Oct. 29. It is unclear when the new tenants will move in or when they will be ready to announce their plans for the space.
—Stephanie Riegel
