Historic bar re-opens under new ownership

Employees of the Robin Hood Music Bar and Grille get things ready in the last minutes before the grand opening last night, just in time for the school year. Owner Bill Jordan, who has been in the bar business for nine years, obtained the property and spen

Credit: John Proppe

Rising from his “Sherwood Forest red” bench, Jim Aman stands to rewrite the final chapter on Kent’s landmark Robin Hood bar.

“It’s been closed since the previous owner got behind on rent in May 2005,” said Aman, co-owner of the new Robin Hood Bar and Grille. “Three months ago, we began renovating everything – the only thing we held onto was the projector screens downstairs.”

Opening last night, Aman and partner Bill Jordan’s rendition of the Robin Hood, a Kent staple since the 1920s, is a step away from the bar/club some students remember.

It still quenches thirsts as the closest bar off campus, except the new owners ditched the beer kegs and black paint for upscale maple floors, wireless Internet, a high-definition sports area and an all-new kitchen.

Intelligent stage lighting, new sound equipment, billiards, new bathrooms and second floor draft beer are also key parts of the makeover, while Thursday ladies’ nights and live music remain from the Robin Hood of old.

“The music ties it all together,” said Aman, who has worked with bands such as Journey, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. “Big Leg Emma will be here Sept. 1, and we plan to have more local, regional and national acts on Friday and Saturday nights.”

When live music isn’t available, Aman said a DJ will play a mix of everything, including oldies and hip-hop.

Those looking to pass on the live music and cover charge are still able to use the Robin Hood’s second floor sports area – complete with upstairs bar, jukebox, arcade games, pool table and plasma TVs.

The downstairs hosts a stage and dance floor near the entrance, while local culinary students will be preparing house-specialty gyros and other foods in the kitchen until 4 a.m.

Counting on food service as a second stream of revenue, Aman wants the Robin Hood to be the “first, last and only stop” for students headed downtown.

“It’s our goal to offer better and quicker service than other bars,” he said. “Depending on student reaction, we’re also hoping to replace the grass area out front with a dining patio this spring.”

The Robin Hood Bar and Grille is open to those 21 and over, with 18 and over nights on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays. For more up-to-date information, visit www.robinhoodkent.net.

Contact minority affairs reporter David Yochum at [email protected]