If you were anywhere near facebook, you probably saw the posts yesterday. Long-time Riverside bar owner Frank Martin passed yesterday after battling illness. He will be remembered fondly by me. He was always smiling and laughing, sipping his Busch beer at the bar with his friends and family. That bar, many of us have called "home" from time to time.
Sad day.
:(
Too sad. May he rest in peace.
Sad to hear. I love that bar. Would love to buy it and return it to glory...
It's definitely a great little space. If there was ever a "dive", that's it. It'll be interesting to see what happens. But they're still open, so I'm not sure of the disposition yet.
:( RIP Frank
I was walking by The Wall several months ago and saw that there was a film crew inside. The director walked out the door about that time so I asked him, "Oh, are your filming "In The Pits" and looked around him for Stephen. He gave me a funny look and said, "Yes, it's a pit alright." Still don't know what they were filming.
Got to love 5 Points! Hope that place doesn't change.
Frank Martin was the finest boss and possibly one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and working for. He was a wise and low-key businessman who has weathered many different versions of 5pts over the years and did it with class and a smile, even when he thought you were crazy. Many past, current and future business owners in the neighborhood sought his advice on how to handle things in the most legal and diplomatic manner.
In his continued manner of graciousness, Frank has left the Bar to longtime employees JP, Penny and Debbie who will continue to run things in his memory and manner. There might be some subtle changes, but don't hold your breathe for anything earthshaking other than preserving the reputation of the the second oldest bar in Duval and one of the finest neighborhood joints anywhere.
Instead of having their normal Christmas Party @ 2pm Dec. 18, they are having a Frank Martin Party in celebration of his life and memory. Frank didn't want any kind of funeral or service, but the girls know what he really enjoyed every year. He loved playing Santa Frank at the Party. So come tip one up, and share a great Frank story with us.
(PS: Wall Street always has the shiniest floors and clean carpet and while a bit smokey it never ever has that rank bar smell because of generous use of bleach and elbow grease. A pit, I think not.)
Thanks for the update. See you on Sunday.
Quote(PS: Wall Street always has the shiniest floors and clean carpet and while a bit smokey it never ever has that rank bar smell because of generous use of bleach and elbow grease. A pit, I think not.)
Absolutely no insult intended! The couple of times this non-smoker has been in over the years it was always spotless. The joke was about Stephen Dare's TV series that is frequently filmed in this area.
What a generous gesture on Mr. Martin's part!