SOUTHPORT CORRIDOR — No one could keep Schubas as clean and well-cared-for as the Schuba brothers did for 26 years, neighbors said Tuesday.
And, with new owners at the helm, that's exactly the problem, neighbors said
The Schuba brothers "kept this place in phenomenal shape in terms of cleanliness. It's spotless outside. I can't imagine anyone else would take as good of care as you," one neighbor said Tuesday.
Neighbors were very complimentary when it came to how Mike Schuba and his brother ran the venue for 26 years before selling it in April. Schuba will be around to guide Schubas for at least the next three years, but that's little comfort to neighbors who want to know what the next decade will look like with the music venue's new owners.
"We're sharing a vision, and I'm here to learn with Mike, not be someone telling Mike what to do. I'm hoping he's going to be here a long time," new co-owner Michael Johnston said.
Despite Johnston's reassurances, members of South Lakeview Neighbors sought a binding agreement that even after Schuba leaves, Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., will maintain the same "spotless" appearance and upkeep, particularly when it comes to noise control and rat control.
Neighbors met to discuss a plan to build a patio in the current nine-spot parking lot behind Schubas and the adjoining Harmony Grill. While Schubas already has a sidewalk cafe, the patio would further expand its customer base and provide more seating for crowded events like weekend acoustic brunches, Schuba said.
Schuba said the idea for a patio was partially driven by the changing demographic of the Southport Corridor, which has shifted from young adults "who used to be able to afford the rent" to single-family homes.
"The neighborhood has changed greatly, beyond anyone's imagination, in the 26 years we've been here. It's gone through many incarnations, but [now], I think a big part of our business is neighborhood people who want a place to eat or a Saturday/Sunday brunch," Schuba said.
But after refusing to allow bars to have both a sidewalk cafe and a patio or beer garden during past meetings, neighbors were hesitant to approve the plans. Schuba said while there would be no amplified music due to a city ban, it was possible televisions would be added to the seasonal patio. Some worried noisy sports fans would disturb nearby neighbors as a result.
Ultimately, in an either/or situation, Schubas would move forward with patio plans for next year, even if it meant nixing the sidewalk seating, Johnston said.
Neighbors approved that plan, contingent on seeing renderings for the patio in the fall. South Lakeview Neighbors will meet again in September.
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