Cheer's Future Uncertain

Over the past week or two i've heard rumors going around that the bar formerly known as Cheers, located in what was once the LaGallaria Shopping Center, may be closing down. Upon speaking to the establishment's owner last night, I learned that since being bought out the rates to rent space in the now Cotton Crossing Shopping Center have double or even tripled. As a result most if not all of the local businesses are having to relocate to other locations. Even Papa John's, a national chain, may be having to move, and even if they do not their lease, formerly a 10 year lease, has been revoked and replaced with a new 3 year lease. As far as Cheer's goes they should learn in 3 - 4 days whether they'll be offered a new lease. Word is that they may not be offered a lease renewal at all. In that case, then pending possible litigation, the establishment will have to close.

Cheers has been around for 21 years and is the oldest bar still open in Starkville. The owner was planning to renovate and increase the size, including a downstairs lounge area. It would be a shame for Starkville to lose a historic bar that even famous people such as Raphael Palmeiro and Morgan Freeman have frequented.