Despite the persistent rumors being cranked out by the town’s gossip mill, a popular downtown bar has not been sold.
‘I’d like people to know that it’s still for sale,? said Vernita ‘Red? Voikos, owner of Rob’s Place at 13 S. Washington St. ‘I don’t know who started that rumor. I haven’t seen any money yet.?
Voikos, who’s owned Rob’s Place since 1978 when she purchased it with her late husband Art, decided it was time to sell the establishment in February 2007.
While some customers aren’t happy she’s selling their neighborhood hangout, others ‘say it’s about time because they know my age,? according to Voikos. ‘It’s too much for me.?
Originally, the asking price was $1.1 million, but it’s since been reduced to $949,900.
That includes a two-story, 7,200-square-foot building (at least half of which was constructed in 1897) with basement, a Class C liquor license and the bar business with all its equipment and assets.
The upstairs above the bar contains four apartments, three of which are currently occupied.
‘It’s a great buy and financing is available,? said Chris Hendrix, the listing broker with Coldwell Banker Whitman-Pope in Lapeer.
Although there have been discussions, meetings and negotiations with potential buyers, no one has signed on the dotted line to make Rob’s Place their place.
‘If someone wants to make an offer, they can ? feel free,? said Voikos, who was named the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year for 1994 and served as Chamber President in 1985-86. ‘It’s very old, but (the building’s) in good condition. We’ve kept it up.?
Voikos said the bar will benefit from the 38 parking spaces the village plans to add in the southwest lot this summer.
‘I think it’s the best location downtown,? she said.
Not many people probably know this, but Rob’s Place was the first bar in the village to offer liquor by the glass.
When Voikos and her late husband purchased it in 1978, only beer and wine could be sold there. So, Voikos went door-to-door gathering petition signatures to allow the sale of spirits.
Before it was Rob’s Place, the tavern was known as Reddy’s Bar and was owned by Leo and Marion Reddy, who lived upstairs.
But when Voikos bought it, the bar was called Rob’s Place.
She tried several times to get the name changed by writing to the state, but all the ones she wanted were taken.
‘So, I gave up,? Voikos said.
Technically, Rob’s Place consists of two buildings. The northern half, which houses the bar and kitchen areas, constitutes the original establishment.
In 1992, Voikos purchased the adjacent southern building, demolished the wall between them and did some renovations.
Today, it’s where Rob’s patrons play pool and cut a rug on the dance floor.
Voikos wished to thank all of her loyal customers, past and present, for their many years of support and friendship.
For more information about Rob’s Place or to schedule a private showing, call Hendrix at (248) 790-4933 or send an e-mail to chris.hendrix@coldwellbanker.com.