After 14 years in business, the Ugly Tuna Saloona is shuttering its doors at 1546 N. High St. in the Gateway building. The popular nightlife spot was one of the original operating tenants of what was originally known as the South Campus Gateway when it first opened in 2005, but an expiring lease has led to the decision to close.
“Ugly Tuna Saloona’s lease term is expiring,” stated Christiana Moffa, Property Manager at the Gateway. “Gateway has worked with Ugly Tuna over the past year to provide alternatives for their consideration. Ultimately, they chose not to pursue those locations, and we wish them the best as they seek another location for the bar.”
Ugly Tuna Owner John Votino expressed interest in relocation plans but said that the current options meant that the timing wasn’t right.
“They [Campus Partners, developer of the Gateway] did have another option but the location was less then favorable with a lack of street visibility,” Votino explained. “We will be back — just takes time to get things done.”
The entirety of the High Street stretch of the University District has gone through many changes over the course of the past several years. Multiple large-scale redevelopment projects have led to the relocation of business (liked Used Kids Records, Chumley’s and Too’s Spirits Under High) or the closing of businesses (like Bernie’s). The changes in the area have also led to the opening of new businesses (like TRISM) as well as in influx of new chains (like additional Starbucks and Chipotle locations). Perhaps the most prominent alterations to the High Street business landscape will be the new urban-style Target that is slated to open this summer, with a large hotel at 15th and High soon to follow.
“As you know, campus is changing,” said Votino. “At the end of the day, change will cause everyone to adjust.”
Ugly Tuna Saloona will remain open through the end of Tuesday, May 1st for the Senior Crawl event, closing for good afterward.
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