The owner of Don't Know Tavern in Federal Hill announced in a Facebook post that they are closing after 14 years in the neighborhood.
John Leonard said the closure is due to ongoing building issues beyond their control.
"When it became obvious that continuing to fund major structural issues in a building we didn’t own was unsustainable, we did what responsible operators do - we tried to buy it."
He said he sent a letter of intent to buy the property but received no response, and was notified the lease would not be renewed.
David Makarovich, the property owner, sent WMAR a statement saying, "Discussions took place regarding a potential purchase of the property; however, both parties were unable to reach mutually agreeable terms. We then immediately started to look for another operator for the space."
He also confirmed they found a buyer, and said the current tenant was given a six-month lease to ease the transition.
Leonard says in the post announcing the tavern's closure, "This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write. Serving this community has been the honor of my life, and we will forever be grateful for the love and support you’ve shown us."
He goes on to say, "We truly hope this isn’t the end of Don’t Know. If the right space and situation present themselves, we would jump at the chance to keep this going."
As of now, the post states the bar will close in February, but does not specify the last day.
