This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The weather is nearly perfect for the Green Street Social Club's famed patio, and the NBA playoffs are in full swing to draw sports fans.
But unfortunately for its loyal followers, one of Salt Lake City's most venerable bars closed last weekend after 32 years in the Trolley Square neighborhood.
"I was kind of stunned when I heard about it," said Michael LePrey, who had been a general manager at Green Street in 1997 and 2001. "There was no notice."
Another former general manager was also glum about the news. "It's sad to see it go," said Jason LeCates, who had been working at the club off-and-on since 1996 and was general manager from 2002 to 2008.
On Friday, a short note appeared on the bar's Facebook page: "Green Street has closed its doors after 31 years!! We thank everyone for years of loyal service and support! We thank the staff for awesome service and positive attitudes!"
The proprietor, John Prince, was unavailable for comment Tuesday, but the bar owed Trolley Square's management $120,000 in past due rent and late fees, according to a complaint filed in March in 3rd District Court.
"We were in the process of trying to work something out but things didn't come to agreement," said Dawn Katter, Trolley Square property manager. "We were sad to see Green Street go."
The club, at 602 E. 500 South, had seen diminishing business since 2008, LeCates said, in part because of construction and remodeling at the shopping center that led to the opening of a Whole Foods Market earlier this year. He wondered if high-profile shootings — such as the February 2007 rampage that killed five and wounded four, as well as a shooting outside the club in February, contributed to the club's financial troubles.
But LeCates and LePrey preferred to talk about happier memories of Green Street. LeCate recalled the frenzied atmosphere at the club when the Utah Jazz played the Chicago Bulls in the 1997 and 1998 NBA Finals. (He said Michael Jordan had visited the club several years ago.) During the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga visited the club to celebrate her country's victory in a hockey game,LePrey added.
Trolley Square's management is hoping to find another tenant for the space as soon as possible, Katter said, though it may take months to see a new business open.
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Out of business
Green Street Social Club was located at 602 E. 500 South, Salt Lake City