NABC’s company party was at Connor’s Place yesterday, and it was a strange sensation to be watching a football game, craft beer in hand and a plate of nibbles close by, on a Sunday afternoon in downtown New Albany, although to be fair, I believe that Pastime and Hugh Bir’s are usually open on Sundays, and of course Little Chef never closes.
When the Bank Street Brewhouse’s taproom opens (in February, we hope), we’re going to try Sunday hours in a yet-to-be-determined format. Overall, as in so many other areas of consideration, it’s a chicken and egg argument in that people don’t come downtown on Sunday … but, few businesses are open to attract them.
This brings us to the topic of holiday hours. With Christmas and New Year’s falling in the middle of the week this year, what hours will downtown bars and restaurants be observing?
Note that owing to the existence of an archaic Indiana state law that clearly violates the principle of church/state separation, alcoholic beverages cannot be sold on Christmas Day. ACLU, where are you when we need you most?
Yesterday Buddy Sandbach told me that the Codfather (a.k.a., Dave Himmel) has given him the okay to open Connor’s Place at 2:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and tend bar until early evening, or a bit later if business merits. Food will be limited to pizza and skins. Connor’s Place is located at 134 East Market Street, next to the Grand Theater in downtown New Albany.
It isn’t located downtown, but for the record, NABC/Rich O’s/Sportstime (3312 Plaza Drive) will be closed on both holiday eves and days: Christmas Eve and Day (December 24 & 25) and New Year’s Eve and Day (December 31, January 1). Otherwise, business hours as usual.
If you know the planned holiday hours of other establishments, downtown or otherwise, including shops and stores other than bars and restaurants, please post a comment in the usual fashion and let us know. It might help boost a small business during a tough time.
No chains, please.
