Financial concerns have shuttered the popular Lexington music venue known as Buster’s Billards and Backroom. The closing came as a shock to many supporters.
A main draw in the city’s still-developing Distillery District, Buster’s served as one of a handful of downtown venues able to draw in regional and nationally touring artists. And while the business may have appeared to be thriving, owner Clark Case says Buster’s had been financially “touch-and-go” for its entire five years on Manchester Street.
The final blow: losing their liquor license. The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that it expired on Sunday, and the doors closed just a few days later.
The announcement leaves a hole in the Distillery District and it’s not certain whether a similar music venue could take over the space. Barry McNees, a major property owner and vocal advocate for the district, says he hopes another business could continue “the dynamic” Buster’s established.
For now, Case is working to reschedule the remaining Buster’s shows at other local venues.
