Local bar owners strike deal to save Jackhammer
photo credit // eamonn sexton
by GoPride
Wed. October 10, 2018 10:00 PM
Chicago, IL - Owners of The Sofo Tap and Meeting House Tavern will acquire the Jackhammer in a deal facilitated by Davis Theater's Tom Fencl. Jackhammer co-founder Jimmy Keup will remain on staff as General Manager to maintain brand continuity and legacy.
Mark Robertson and Mike Sullivan, owners of The SoFo Tap andMeeting House Tavern, have reached an agreement to purchase the building at 6406-6410 North Clark which houses Jackhammer and Leather64Ten. Robertson and Sullivan will begin co-managing Jackhammer with its original founder, Jimmy Keup, beginning on October 14, 2018, and will assume ownership of Jackhammerfollowing the closing of the transaction, expected in November. Keup will continue as General Manager ofJackhammer, which will become part of 2Bears Tavern Group, which operates The SoFo Tap and Meeting House Tavern.
"Our overarching goal is to foster places where you can be your true self without shame or embarrassment," said Robertson. "Even in a city as open as Chicago there is a need for venues for the community that are safe and comfortable. Jackhammer is just that kind of place."
"Mark and Mike have a proven track record in growing LGBTQ businesses and the same commitment to supporting the community as I do. This deal will bring long term stability to Jackhammer. It's definitely a win for the LGBTQ community," said Keup.
Jackhammer and the building in which it has been located for nearly 20 years were foreclosed on in 2016. It was announced mid-June 2018 that Jackhammer might close imminently and Leather64TEN and the residents of the building would face eviction. "When Mark and I heard about the foreclosure of Jackhammer and the building it owned, we had the same reaction as everyone else – the community couldn't lose Jackhammer or Leather64TEN," said Sullivan.
Crucial to that effort has been Tom Fencl, owner of the Davis Theater and long-time supporter of the LGBTQ community. Fencl is part of a group the acquired the rights to the foreclosed properties. When an offer to purchase the building was received by an out of town investment firm, Fencl was tasked with vacating the property of both commercial and residential tenants. "I was heartbroken to hear that such a longstanding institution was about to end. I was able to convince the majority shareholders that given more time, I could save the Jackhammer," recalled Fencl. Fencl reached out to Alderman O'Connor, a major supporter of the LGBTQ community, as well as his connections within the community, who made the introduction to Keup.
Fencl retained Laura Rahilly from Rahilly and Associates with Coldwell Banker. Fencl knew Laura and her team had the experience and connections within the community to help locate the right buyers willing to ensure that Jackhammer would remain in the home it has had since opening. Rahilly & Associates jumped into high gear to market the property. Robertson and Sullivan were among the first people to reach out.
With over a hundred inquiries to Rahilly & Associates, it became readily apparent that Mark Robertson and Mike Sullivan were the ideal buyers given their already successful establishments in Andersonville," said Rahilly.
Robertson added: "This would not have happened without Tom Fencl and his investor group. Tom made clear that preserving Jackhammer and Leather64Ten was the top priority and his partners gave him wide latitude to make that happen."
Robertson and Sullivan see the Jackhammer as a perfect fit for 2Bears Tavern Group. Like The SoFo Tap andMeeting House Tavern, Jackhammer is a place that welcomes and celebrates all of us in the community.
Jimmy Keup founded Jackhammer with his late partner Joe Maggio and is both delighted and relieved by the sale to Robertson and Sullivan and his continued role as general manager.
"I have faced a lot of obstacles over the past 18+ years, but despite it all, Jackhammer remains a Chicago treasure, with an international reputation," noted Keup. "I am looking forward to working with Mark and Mike and to be able to focus my efforts on serving our customers, expanding and creating great programming, and working with our staff to keep Jackhammer a safe place that welcomes all."
"I couldn't be more excited to see the management talents from The SoFo Tap combine with the heart and soul of Jackhammer. I've stayed active at both venues for years because both at their core have a feeling of family and love above all else, which, for me, is the key to not only working with an establishment but patronizing it. I see big things ahead," says Marc Moder, long-time DJ at both Jackhammer and The SoFo Tap, as DJ Moose, as he welcomed the news.
Robertson has said that customers will experience the same Jackhammer they already enjoy as any foreseen changes will be minimal and unnoticeable to the bar's patrons and staff. And added that the strong brand, a great staff, and loyal customers are what has made it such an iconic Chicagoland institution as well as a safe meeting place for the city's many fetish groups.
About Jackhammer
Jackhammer, located at 6406 N. Clark, has been serving the LGBTQ and Rogers Park communities for 18+ years, creating a safe space for nightlife, leisure and entertainment catering to visitors from throughout Chicago land and across the globe. Comprising three distinct bar spaces (Dance, Sports & Fetish) and an outdoor patio, Jackhammer draws a diverse cross-section of Chicagoans and visitors. Events at Jackhammer include local and international fetish events, headline DJs, drag shows, karaoke, and go-go dancers. With its late-night license, Jackhammer is the go-to bar for the LGBTQ community until 4 am (5 am on Saturdays).
