Over the last decade or so, we have seen a lot of changes. Many of them are happening still in our own neighborhoods. Just think about how many times your favorite “Mom and Pop” restaurant has changed ownership or may have closed its doors permanently. Or how that bar you used to enjoy going to on a Friday night has closed its doors and maybe been transformed into something totally unrelated to the bar you loved. These things are happening all over the U.S. You can benefit from these closures and keep a piece of it for yourself if you want. Here are a few ideas for reusing or recycling bar and restaurant equipment.
Why Neighborhood Are Losing Small Night Spots?
The simplest answer to this question is that as a general rule, people want more. Some people may love the smaller, more intimate settings, but not everyone embraces it. The rest want bars that also serve food, restaurants that are family-friendly with a little adult beverage thrown in. If not that, then they want nightclubs or higher-class establishments.
Keep Pieces of Your Favorite Establishments
Often, when a bar, club, or restaurant closes its doors for good, there are things that get left behind. If the owner loses it to bankruptcy, they may have to auction off what is left, especially the equipment such as stoves, stainless steel work tables, sinks, and tables. However, not all parts can be taken away without damages, so they are unworthy of auctioning. This can often include bartops, countertops, and other things.
In other situations, everything may be removed so that the building can be turned into something else. Often, the new owner has no real need for the stuff that is left behind. They may be happy to see you take it away for a small fee and a little bit of elbow grease.
These are the times when it is easiest for you to take it home. You can then add to your home. For instance, if your favorite restaurant has a large commercial stove, you may be able to install it in your kitchen with a few modifications of the space. If they are getting rid of freezers, you may be able to put it in your garage for food storage. Most of the time, these items are in fantastic working order and it can be a shame to see them go to waste.
A bar that closes is a true treasure for you to discover. You can use bar top epoxy to preserve a piece of your favorite bar’s history. They may leave taps behind which can be used in your own private bar. There may be tables, fun lighting fixtures, and even old pool tables that could be recovered and enjoyable by your family and friends.
Think Outside of the Box!
Our landfills are overflowing with things that could have served another purpose. If you find yourself lucky enough to be in an area where a bar or restaurant is making its very “Last Call”, don’t fail to consider the beauty that may soon be in the county landfill. Do your part to keep our world green and take home something beautiful. All you need is a little creativity.