Chef/proprietor Frank Bonanno has added Vesper Lounge, in the recently shuttered Lancer Lounge space at 233 E. Seventh Ave., to the Bonanno Concepts restaurant group.
“Over two weeks ago, Becky Conda, longtime neighbor and owner of the Lancer Lounge, acceded to personal financial pressures and shuttered the neighborhood staple,” Bonanno said in a prepared statement. “I’ve been part of this neighborhood with Becky for over 11 years, and the transition hasn’t been easy to witness. It’s been especially strange on the weekends, walking by a patio eerily void of guests, Becky and her dog.
“Our landlord approached me about assuming the Lancer lease last week. We’ve shared a real estate footprint — the Lancer neatly situated beneath the Bonanno Concepts office and among Mizuna, Luca and Bones — and although I never set out on this particular course (I’m more of a restaurant guy, for sure), I’m honored to announce that the Lancer will be reopening, under a different name, and under my ownership.
“I’ll keep it a neighborhood spot — a nice, clean little bar with inexpensive drinks, a couple of televisions, and maybe a few more beers on draft. We’ll also implement a small bar menu, and I’ve toyed around with the idea of offering brunch on Fridays and Saturdays. I haven’t worked through the entire concept yet, but Vesper Lounge will be opening as soon as my colleagues and I can wrap our heads firmly around the undertaking — a homage to over 40 years of drinking done under the same roof and in a neighborhood for which I care deeply.”
Vesper Lounge will be one of two new additions to Bonanno Concepts, which already includes Mizuna, Luca d’Italia, Osteria Marco, Bones, Green Russell, Wednesday’s Pie, Lou’s Food Bar and Russell’s Smokehouse. Bonanno announced plans for Bonanno Brother’s Pizzeria earlier this month, which will open at The Vistas at Park Meadows in Lone Tree, early 2013.
An opening date for Vesper Lounge has not been announced, but the bar will likely open before the end of the year. Follow @FrankBonanno on Twitter for concepts updates.
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