Stourbridge bar's future and jobs saved in takeover deal
The future of a well-known bar in Stourbridge town centre has been secured in a takeover deal, saving 25 jobs, it was announced today.
A newly-founded company called Chicago Leisure has taken over the Chicago's bar, in High Street, two months after its former owners Atmosphere Bars and Clubs went into administration.
The bar open for business last September in the unit formerly occupied by Que Pasa restaurant and bar.
Bosses spent £500,000 on refurbishing the venue and it was described as a flagship for the nationwide brand.
The opening marked a return to the town for the chain after Chicago Rock Cafe, now the Chequers Inn, in High Street, closed down when then parent company 3DE collapsed and went into administration.
Today, manager James Whittingham said: "Chicago's in Stourbridge has been very successful since we opened it last year.
"Being recently opened we have excellent facilities and we are pleased our future has been secured.
"Stourbridge maintains to be very popular despite the problems of the former parent company and is the reason why the bar has been acquired."
The venue is one of eight bars and a restaurant formerly owned by Atmosphere Bar and Clubs to have been taken over by Chicago Leisure, which is based in Milton Keynes.
Fourteen more bars still remain under the management of administrators Deloitte.
Mr Whittingham said: "We are thrilled to be working with the new owners.
"It has saved the jobs of our team members, as well as ensuring a venue that has lots of loyal customers continues to thrive."
He added: "The new owners plan to invest in the business to ensure we can offer an even better customer experience going forwards."
The bar is now focused on building up its party packages as well as launching a Christmas meal event.
On its opening weekend last year, 450 revellers attended a party which featured fire eaters and stilt walkers.
