Georgetown Saloon Getting By With a Little Help from Its Friends

Though the Georgetown Saloon — which  allows a business to remain open while restructuring its debt under the United States Bankruptcy Code—members of the community have both voiced their support and offered their services to help the local institution thrive.

Last year, , said she was confident her "wonderful patrons" would show the saloon their support during this restructuring process.

And it looks like she was right.

On Saturday, July 9, Stuntfish, a Redding-based five-piece classic rock band, will be donating its services to the saloon. They take the stage at 9:15 p.m.

“We want lovers of locally-owned clubs to come out, have dinner, raise a glass and listen to great music,” drummer Brien O’Reilly said. “It’s venues like the that give our towns their unique character.”

Similarly, some of the saloon’s more regular customers voiced their support of the watering hole, a pillar of Georgetown for more than 30 years.

Matt Klahr, who lives in the Georgetown section of Wilton and frequents the saloon, said it’s a shame the restaurant — like many other businesses in this economy — had to go this route, but that he was confident they’d end up coming out ahead.

“Georgetown Saloon is a wonderful establishment and is known for its all around fun — great music, great food and always a great place to get cocktails,” Klahr told Patch. “I go there all the time as it is. Looks like I’ll have to start going there more.”

Another customer, , who grew up in Redding and now lives in Easton, echoed Klahr’s sentiments.

“The Georgetown Saloon has been a local haven for great food, unique music and joyous times for many years,” Rowley told Patch. “I’m sure to continue my support of this Fairfield County staple.”

Torie Clancy, executive director of the Wilton Chamber of Commerce, of which the Georgetown Saloon is a member, said that, unfortunately, the saloon is not alone in its troubles. Until the economy is in full recovery, “local businesses will continue to feel the negative effects,” she said.

“While it’s unfortunate to hear that a valued member [of the chamber] has to go through this process, Georgetown Saloon clearly has a long-term strategy in place and a vision as to how to achieve this,” Clancy told Patch. “An integral player in the Georgetown business district and active chamber member, the establishment’s inimitable mix of pub fare, live music and community makes it a local institution.”

The primary advantage of a Chapter 11 is a business' ability to continue operations, and the saloon's owners have been very clear with their determination to restructure the restaurant without sacrifice, Clancy said.

“We support the Georgetown Saloon and anticipate a rally from both patrons and the community to expedite their triumph over adversity,” Clancy said. “We’re confident that their resilience will result in an even better version of the Georgetown Saloon that, hopefully, will prosper indefinitely.”

For more information, visit the Georgetown Saloon's website.

Editor's note: This article originally appeared in Weston-Redding-Easton Patch.