Lang
7/6/24
A longtime Iowa City bar and restaurant is setting the record straight on rumors it was closing or rebranding as a sports bar.
In recent weeks, rumors swirled on social media that The Sanctuary on South Gilbert Street would close and reopen as a sports bar. Some of those rumors even cited Iowa City area developer Tracy Barkalow…who many blame for shutting down the popular Magic Bus tailgate party when he bought its old location at 817 Melrose Avenue in 2010…as the new Sanctuary owner.
A Saturday morning post on the Sanctuary’s Facebook page has dispelled those rumors, while detailing some of the new renovations. The post says the Sanctuary remains open for business with new furniture in the red room and new coolers being installed. Once the renovations are complete, the Sanctuary will have 27 different beers on tap. The post notes The Sanctuary will NOT be transitioning into a sports bar, and will maintain its reputation for live music, great food and special events.
One commenter on the Facebook post asked if it was true that Barkalow had purchased the business. The official Sanctuary Facebook account replied, “Hi! I’m Dee and my husband is Chris and we own The Sanctuary. Excited to serve the community!”
For more details, go to the official Sanctuary Pub Facebook page.
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