Another business will initiate its final call Saturday after deciding to move away from Norman because of higher rent prices.
Mr. Bill’s, 1101 Elm Ave., will relocate to Oklahoma City under a new name, Bill’s Island Grill, and drop its focus on alcohol along with its over- 21 age limit.
Bar manager Steve Thrower cited higher rent as the reason for moving, but he declined to comment further because the owner of the property was in litigation for breaking a lease agreement.
Mr. Bill’s will not have any special closing celebration but will just highlight its normal specials, Thrower said, which is fitting for the bar’s casual atmosphere.
The neighborhood pub has been at the Stubbeman Place location since 1978.
Thrower said he has been with Mr. Bill’s for a total of 16 to 17 years since 1990, leaving and coming back throughout this time period.
“I wouldn’t have come back if I didn’t like [the job],” Thrower said. “It’s comfortable and easy; the atmosphere is what’s special about this place. With all food services, it’s a love-hate relationship, good and bad, but it’s as good as any job I’ve had.”
Wednesday night was the last bingo night, and Thursday night will be the last karaoke night — two of the more popular events at the bar, Thrower said.
Andy Beard runs bingo as well as various other events at Mr. Bill’s, and said he is sad to see the bar go.
“It’s just always been really funny — and this is probably the only bar in the world where you can pull that off — where there can be an insult comic and not have people freak out and everyone have a good time with that we’re doing,” Beard said. “That’s pretty unique. … People here aren’t as sensitive.”
Many Norman residents consider Mr. Bill’s a pre-game tradition and will be sad to see it go, Beard said. The bar has been home to local musicians, filmmakers and stand-up comics throughout the years.
Located next to the university by Adams Center, Mr. Bill’s is a short walk for students and employees alike. OU employee Karen Kozik said the nearby location was the bar’s draw, but over time everyone there became close.
“Bill’s has been here a long, long time,” Kozik said. “We all know each other here. It was a good place to meet friends and hang out after work. I probably won’t go to the new location as much because it’s farther away.”
After Saturday, “the restaurant is going to be the driving force of the new location,” Thrower said. “Here the demographic is kids – and booze.”
About four or five employees are expected to make the transition to Oklahoma City, but most staff members did not have cars or did not want to commute, Thrower said.
Business is still great, and the bar does not want to close, but the rent was just not affordable, Beard said.
“Yeah, I’m really messed up about it,” Beard said. “We have a really awesome crowd here.”
