Lil' Roberts Place to end 16-year run
Lil' Roberts Place has been a place for live music and entertainment, along with something to drink.
Lil' Roberts Place, a quirky dive bar in the heart of downtown Concord, plans to close next month, ending a 16-year run.
Owner Robert Burrage broke the news on July 24 and described the hangout as "a monster that needs constant attention."
"I am aware that I am not doing this 'place' justice," he wrote in a farewell message shared on the bar's Facebook page. "Before it is too late, I will be closing, selling, handing over, or any other way to put it. Unless someone steps up or we are in negotiation."
The bar bearing his nickname has called downtown Concord home since 2010. Now, Burrage said he hopes to be closed for business by Sept. 1.
CharlotteFive reached out to Burrage for more information on Thursday and was awaiting a response.
Lil' Roberts Place was one of several downtown Concord businesses impacted by a years-long streetscape project that sought to revamp the bustling food and retail district and draw in new visitors, CharlotteFive previously reported.
The ongoing sidewalk construction limited foot traffic in the popular area, forcing some small businesses — including Burrage's — to close temporarily. Others were forced to leave downtown altogether.
"We're losing friends," he told CharlotteFive at the time. "Some of them are due to the construction, and they just couldn't withstand the drought."
"It's become a joke, watching people fill the same hole over and over," Burrage said. "Spend three hours digging and refilling."
At the time, he also mentioned the financial strain he was under — borrowing money and accepting donations from locals who hoped to keep the doors open at Lil' Roberts Place.
Fast forward to now, Burrage said it's time for him to move on.
"I want to say THANK YOU!!! It has been one hell of a ride," he wrote on Facebook. "But, I'm ready to get off."
Local love for Lil' Roberts Place
News of the bar's impending closure and possible sale prompted an outpouring of well-wishes from locals who reminisced about all the fun times and memories made:
■ "Dude, you did one hell of a thing for the city of Concord," Cheryl Mailloux commented on Facebook. "You were the trailblazer for all the alcohol joints to follow. Beyond kudos to you, go out with your head held high my friend!"
■ "This place has literally been my safe place for over 15 years," Christy Jo Nelson added. "So many memories here; it feels like I've lived so many lifetimes at that bar. Downtown Concord will never be the same."
■ "I have so many great memories from standing on your stage playing for family, friends, strangers who became friends etc." musician Greg Ragan wrote. "Thank you for allowing us to come in and just be ourselves for a few hours and make some noise along the way! All the best to you all."
■ Lori Clay added her voice to the chorus of lamentations, writing: "Well, I sure hate to see you go. I love the charm and character you add to our downtown with your crazy little funky vibe and I think Concord will be remiss without you."
Heidi Finley contributed reporting.
Lil' Roberts Place
Location: 25 Union St. S, Con cord, NC 28025 Cuisine: Dive bar Instagram: @lilrobertsplace
