Originally Posted by Stoop Snoop

You're referencing a different thread. In that thread I was responding to the question of if they were still open. To which I responded yes with the implication that most people assumed it was shut down. I highly doubt there will be much business the first weekend after a bust like this. It's going to take a while for people to feel comfortable going there.

Maybe I'll take it upon myself to posse up a large group and show the rest of the neighborhood that we can have clean fun there!

Originally Posted by Watkins

Well I could not have known what you were implying in that other thread. To anyone from the neighborhood, it should be obvious that they are still open, all of the neon lights are on, the metal door protector is up.....

All I am saying, is that a bar full of people drink regardless of the reason that got them to that particular bar. The reason it is empty now is that it wasn't frequented by anyone but the shady clientele, most of which weren't even from the neighborhood, hell, you ever notice how many Jersey plates were always parked outside.

There are several bars within a block or two of the Bella that didn't make a business out of allowing drug dealers to operate there. But, hey, why not reward the guy for 4-5 years of allowing that within his business. Or how about for putting Joe on his payroll. Or how about for when Joe payed the deductible on my neighbor's home owners insurance when someone left the Bella and shot out the windows of his house.

It's a shame there aren't more bars in SP, then you wouldn't have to take this one back.

Originally Posted by Watkins

Well I could not have known what you were implying in that other thread. To anyone from the neighborhood, it should be obvious that they are still open, all of the neon lights are on, the metal door protector is up.....

Originally Posted by Stoop Snoop

....oh, I get it - sarcasm to make a point. Look, it's cool to have diff opinons. If everyone felt the same about things blogs would be pretty damn boring!

Originally Posted by Watkins

Absolutely.

Originally Posted by Drinkery

So, I'm the guy that's buying the Bella. I also own the Dive Bar on Passyunk. I'm sure some of you on the site know me pretty well. The guy that currently owns the bar is an absentee with no restaurant experience whatsoever. I think he got in way over his head. He put it up for sale back in December & we've been working on the deal ever since. The bust last week was an unexpected bump in the road, but hopefully not a deal killer. I plan on being open by Thanksgiving. The second floor will be home to a pool table and video games, while the first floor will be all seating. The kitchen will be open & serving small bites and gourmet sandwiches. The working name is the Watkins Drinkery. I really want things with the community to go smoothly, so please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I hate the rumor mill, and I'd love to keep the truth out there. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Drinkery

So, I'm the guy that's buying the Bella. I also own the Dive Bar on Passyunk. I'm sure some of you on the site know me pretty well. The guy that currently owns the bar is an absentee with no restaurant experience whatsoever. I think he got in way over his head. He put it up for sale back in December & we've been working on the deal ever since. The bust last week was an unexpected bump in the road, but hopefully not a deal killer. I plan on being open by Thanksgiving. The second floor will be home to a pool table and video games, while the first floor will be all seating. The kitchen will be open & serving small bites and gourmet sandwiches. The working name is the Watkins Drinkery. I really want things with the community to go smoothly, so please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I hate the rumor mill, and I'd love to keep the truth out there. Thanks!

Originally Posted by jaberella

Well, considering that I live on the block this is excellent news. We'd absolutely love a place to go for a drink and a little dinner right on our corner. Plus, it can only do good things for the neighborhood and for our property values

If this happens we will absolutely give you our business and spread the word; especially if you have a good beer selection for the hubby, good food and at least one thing my kid would eat during an early dinner hour. PLEASE let this happen!!!!