Madhatters bar will not be opening its doors on State Street.
Madhatters owner Ted Gervasi originally planned to take over the space at 651 State St. left by Fuddruckers. However, due to mounting controversy over whether Downtown could handle another bar and numerous petitions and e-mails from concerned residents, he told the Wisconsin State Journal it would be best to take his business elsewhere.
His main concern is he didn't feel welcome on State Street,"" said City Council President Mike Verveer, adding that the passage of the Alcohol Density Plan did not help Gervasi's chances of gaining much public support.
Madhatters previously resided in University Square, but due to redevelopment, was forced to move out in 2005. Verveer said the community seemed to back the idea of getting Madhatters Downtown again, but said, ""it all came down to location, location, location.""
The Alcohol License Review Committee passed Madhatters liquor license transfer to 651 State St. at their last meeting, but that came just hours after the City Council passed the Alcohol Density Plan.
Still, Verveer said he would like to see Madhatters open somewhere in the campus area because of its popularity with the student population. As for the vacant spot at 651 State St., Verveer said it may be filled by an Italian restaurant.
