by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
The lights may have dimmed at Thee Imperial in Five Points, but following some minor alterations to the space, owner Jim Webb is hoping to reopen in about a month under the old name, Fuel.
“Right now we’re just looking at some of the different issues we’re having with the building,” said Webb. “We want to do our best to brighten it up because, unfortunately, it just looked like a standard black box before. After we do some painting and remodeling, it’s going to look like a Fuel-type venue. That’s the best way to describe it.”
According to Webb, a late June, early July grand reopening is likely.
Another noted change when Fuel returns: a dramatically reduced emphasis on live music, an Imperial trademark.
“That was something Thee Imperial did,” said Webb. “We’re going to be focusing on coffee, food, and beer and wine. We’ll go forward with those things, full force.”
According to Webb, the joint venture with Imperial owner Lisa Wagner didn’t exactly turn out as originally planned.
“We got together because she knew the music side of it and I knew about the food and beverage side,” said Webb. “Unfortunately, it didn’t really go over very well. It just wasn’t a good mix.”
Webb noted, however, the alcoholic beverages — a new venture when joining forces with Thee Imperial — were “certainly not money losers.”
“The details are slowly coming together, but we’re looking forward to returning as Fuel,” said Webb. “It’s a shame the Imperial/Fuel mix didn’t work out the way we would’ve liked, but it’s for the best for both of us.”