Under Threat of Closing, Manhattans Bar Seeks New Investor
Tracy Westmoreland/Photo by Jason Kuffer
Must all good things come to an end? The English proverb, it seems, should not apply to dive bar aficionado Tracy Westmoreland yet again. With the economy in shambles, the main investor in Mr. Westmoreland’s Prospect Heights bar, the Manhattans, has started to get cold feet.
"He’s not really a bad guy," Mr. Westmoreland said by phone. "You gotta make bad decisions when you don’t have money – this is a bad decision to close this bar, it’s a bad financial decision."
Since signing a 15-year lease on Washington Avenue in April, Mr. Westmoreland has made a name for himself as the ring leader of Prospect Heights most divey watering hole, bringing his famed Siberia atmosphere to the borough. Once customers ring the glowing buzzer to the right of the entrance, an eye pops through the New York Post-covered windows and before they know it, they’ve been swept into Mr. Westmoreland’s world. "Did I tell you about the time?"
However, it will take time to layer on the grime, break enough bottles, and clock enough nighttime hours at Manhattans before it even begins to approach the legend heretofore. Full disclosure: this website hosts events at the locale on occasion.
"There are no villians in this play," said Mr. Westmoreland. "But there’s some drama."
His investor lost a well paid gig in the financial sector, and has struggled to be patient with the nascent establishment. After unsuccessfully shopping his shares for a buyout, the investor has threatened to shutter the bar within the week. This weekend could be Brooklyn’s last chance to experience it – and help support it – or perhaps Mr. Westmoreland will find the savior he seeks to keep this party going.
"If an angel could come in and buy him out, it could be a great opportunity for somebody – the bar is doing great – great clientele, great press," Mr. Westmoreland assured us. "It’s got a great space, great lease, and the guys gotta close it because of the situation."
UPDATE: You can find Tracy by email or 917-349-8922.
UPDATE: As with all things these days, a blog has been set up.
