Put-in-Bay Bar Sold To Investors
Put-in-Bay Bar Tony’s Garage was purchased by island residents Ray Fogg and Andy Christensen in early April 2013. Ray and Andy says they are very excited to own what they consider to be a true island treasure. Two years ago, Ray was the second-place bidder for the popular Put-in-Bay Bar that was then called Tony’s Place at a public auction held for the historic property.
A group of investors led by Put-in-Bay cottager Mike Rouen purchased Tony’s at that auction and turned it into Tony’s Garage. When they decided they wanted to sell the property recently, it was only natural Ray might be involved in the new ownership.
Since their purchase closed within weeks of the beginning of the season, Ray and Andy say they plan to operate Tony’s Garage substantially as is for the 2013 season. So, don’t look for a lot of changes right away. Andy said, “We are fortunate Mike Rouen and his group did such a nice job restoring and improving the building over the past two years and have left us with a business we can continue. But, eventually, we want to give the place our touch. So, we will take the opportunity during the next off-season to make our changes and improvements in time for a new grand opening in 2014.”
Andy Christensen will be the new General Manager of Tony’s. Andy has been working and living on South Bass Island for eighteen years. Over the past 6 six years, he has been the General Manager of the Boathouse Bar & Grill, another famous Put-in-Bay Bar, and Ray Fogg has been a fixture at Put-in-Bay as a popular entertainer for many years.
This season will be his 25th anniversary of performing on the island. He said, “I’m so excited to be a part of this great building. Not many people know I used to have a beer at Tony’s Place before every show for almost fifteen years when I played at the Brewery. And Laura and I have some cherished wedding photos taken at Tony’s with my daughter Marissa when she was little.
While Ray says he is particularly excited about the potential of Tony’s as an intimate entertainment showroom, he has no plans at this time to perform at Tony’s. “I am thrilled performing at the Boathouse and Round House and want to continue in those venues,” Ray said. “Besides, I’m afraid the new owner at Tony’s will be a real pain to play for! It’s like that guy knows everything I’m thinking!” Tony’s Garage plans to open for the 2013 season around May 17.
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