Andy’s may be going the way of the Uptown Club, Newt’s, the Village Tavern and Miss Virginia Coleman’s Coffee Shop.
Which is to say, another popular landmark that long helped define Chestertown is closing. Maybe. Or possibly not.
All that’s certain is that Andy Goddard herself will no longer be running the show. She lost her lease. And, she says, “for a monetary sum,” her first name.
Dave Wright, the owner of the property as well as proprietor of Brix, right next door, will say only, “I am not discussing it at this point.”
Asked when he might say something, Wright responded, minimally, “Maybe next week.”
What happened, says Goddard sans Andy, is, “We needed major repairs for quite a while. When it rains outside it rains inside. I sent a letter saying we needed repairs prior to renewing the lease for the current amount of money. Basically, a letter came back saying, ‘We’re sorry you don’t want to renew your lease.’”
Goddard added, “I’m not sure what the specifics are for the place. He’s retaining Andy’s name – for a monetary sum. He’s probably going to keep some of my employees. I’m assuming it’s going to be a bar and restaurant. He says he may continue the music. But I’m not sure.”
Andy’s has been Andy’s for the past 21 years. And even if the business continues under that name, at that place, there cannot be another like it here that is operated by her under any name.
“I signed a non-compete clause,” she says. “So I can’t open an Andy’s next door. Or a Randy’s.”
So what’s she going to do?
“I’ve been telling everybody I’m going to sleep for a month. It will take me a while to adjust to living a normal life. I might actually have a social life for a change – after my body adjusts to not having to go to bed at 2 o’clock. I would love to stay in the music end of things, if possible. I’ve been one club owner who honestly loves the music. That was one reason for opening Andy’s — to have a place to showcase live music.”
Her last day of business, at Andy’s, will be Saturday, July 18. As her website says, “We are going to have one big party the last week, with end of the world specials, culminating in a Saturday Night Blast Off. Come join the fun!”
Carla Massoni says
The last day for the Carla Massoni Gallery is also July 18 – so art lovers and music lovers unite for a blast off to end all blast offs – it has been twenty years for us too!
Warrior Bob says
We made our decision to move to Kent County at the bar in Andy’s on March 17, 2000. It ain’t gonna be the same. Thanks, Andy, for being such a big part of the community.
Heather Holiday says
I can’t imagine Chestertown without Andy’s. I worked there in College and met my future husband there. Andy’s holds a special place in the hearts of many and will be truly missed. I can only hope that this will provide Andy with time for new and exciting adventures!
Bert Hezy says
Perhaps David should change his name to Mr. Wrong.
A. Neiman says
Terrible! Andy’s has the best bang-for-the-buck food in town! I can’t believe it’s going, I hope Wright doesn’t screw it up. Don’t get me wrong, Brix is OK, but doesn’t nearly have the homey atmosphere of Andy’s.
Andy, your wonderful establishment will be missed!
Sarah Contos says
This place is an institution and I will miss it. Does it really have to go like this? Maybe after your month of sleep, you could open a music club called Goddard’s. Sounds nice to me. Thank you for all your wonderful service, memories, laughs. And martini madness.
Chris Cerino says
ANDY – thanks so much for letting me play a few gigs at your place over the past several years. You are a true legend in Chestertown, and rightfully so.
Chris Cerino
Matthew Weir says
I have no idea about why this has happened, but know that as long as I have been in Chestertown, Andy has put up with people like me and always made us feel at home. Andy, thank you very much for creating a community of friends and providing us all with great entertainment. Get some rest…you deserve it!!!
Frank Lee Speaking says
I think Andrew Stein should buy the place and bring fun and music back to C-Town. Where are Meredith, Marcia, and Diane gonna get their groove on now?
Mike and Katie says
Wow – that’s a huge loss. My wife and I are going back to Ctown for our 10th anniversary and Andy’s was definitely on the agenda. We practically lived there from oh ’95-2001 when we lived on Queen Street. We were so exited to go back to Ctown for our 10th anniversary and visit Andy’s… VERY sad.
Kevin Shertz says
Very, very sad.
Bill Bloom says
Major loss to the town! Andy’s was a great place to hang out. You will be missed Andy. I miss the days hanging out with Patty and Newell and getting my Mt Gay Rum fix. If I didnt have so many kids, I’d fly back for the last night.
Jack The Mail Dude says
Sad, sad, sad. Andy’s is a part of the fabric that holds this wacky town together. Let’s take her out in STLYE! See you Saturday.
Joan Smith says
I’m always amazed by the kind of landlord who won’t fix a leak. I hate to use the word “slumlord” (such a cliche).
Won’t be able to think of the new Andy’s as anything but Mr. Wrong’s. And, sadly, I’m now thinking of Brix as Mr. Wrong’s 2, Chestertown’s new restaurant chain. Not very appetizing. (Thanks, Bert! Very apt.)
Kastendike says
When I was little my dad and his best friend would go to Andy’s and talk about it all the time. I wanted to go so bad. It seemed so fun. I used to peek through the windows of the back room to see what it was like. When I finally turned 21 I had my chance. It was worth the wait. I’ll miss having a scotch or two with my dad. Chestertown is forever changed.
Bridget Cowie says
Andy, you will be missed! Wish we had more notice, so we could give you a proper send off. I loved hanging out there back in the really old days. Best of luck.
rachel goss says
My old home away from home…my friend, Andy – you have worked so hard – hit the beach then, maybe, become a groupie – Chris Cerino might be lookin’…hope you get to take your painting – kisses to you – Rach
and thanks for being a great hostess – even to PIA girls like me!
Kelly says
Everything about Andy’s will be missed, the iconoclastic painting of Andy over the bar, the mesmerizing painting in the back room of the girl dozing in the sun, all the cozy furniture, fireplace, down home music, Tuesday night Team Trivia and most of all, the meatloaf! It was all wonderful. Thank you!
Marc says
This is rough for Chestertown, and also for the wider music world. Andy’s is an essential stop for bands all over the East Coast. This is entirely due to Andy, who does all of the booking herself. She always paid the bands fairly and put music first. We have had amazing bands come through this town because of her.
Anyone who has questions in their mind about who is at fault in this situation should recall a show that I played there several months ago. The packed crowd had to move around the 5 or 6 buckets that were catching the water pouring from the ceiling. This was the Saturday night of graduation weekend.
lynda willard says
Andy’s is as much of a part of Chestertown as is the Saturday morning farmers market, first fridays, Tea Party, and anything else frequented by residents, families, friends and tourists. It is a *$*$* shame that money and the lack of compromise (at least that is what it appears to be) is closing the doors. Everybody has a price, and i guess David Wright had one for Andy Goddard. some people just get their jollies by pushing their weight and money around when ever and where ever they can.
Andy we will miss you and hope you can open up at another location. you can count on us as part of your regulars again………for support, fun, great food & music. good luck!
Kirk Williamson says
Holy XXXXX As a former bartender and a long time patron, I will be crushed to see andy’s go. I can remember many a good times, and also not remember many good times… Louise you will be missed. Who gets the painting behind the bar……
Kim Gale says
Rachel you said it best…my home away from home for many years. I met some of my dearest friends in Andy’s when I first moved here, not to mention my husband. Andy, thanks for the memories!! You will be sorely missed. As for Mr. Wright, you can’t compete. Very bad move on your part!
jenifer says
Oh, say it ain’t so. Chestertown won’t be Chestertown without Andy’s. It’s a terrible thing.
I am triste beyond words.
JMS says
Andy, thank you for all of the years you put up with me and all of my meat head friends…you have given us some of the best memories we will never remember!! The music rocked, the food rocked, the people rocked and so did your Martini Tuesday’s!!!!. C-town won’t feel the same with you gone!
Pat Archer says
Andy’s was my home away from home for almost a decade. It is a great place to entertain and to be entertained. I will never forget the wonderful people I have met there and had the pleasure of serving. I wish Andy some much deserved rest and relaxation. Andy’s place brought alot of good people together, just too many to mention. It will be missed by many. Where else will you be able to go to find a honest game of “Liars’ Poker”???
Those were the Good Ole Days!!
Best Wishes to all –
Andy Goddard says
Andy & all her employees are overwhelmed by all the support & well wishes. The end of an era, perhaps, but also the beginning of a new one! As I say to my employees, change is good…it keeps us young and on our toes.
We wish David Wright and staff nothing but the best of luck in the new venture.
Cheers!
Andy
Beth Speer Sabella says
What a shame and end to such a Chestertown icon – I can’t believe Andy’s will no longer be there! So many great memories and great times! Thought I would always have time for one more tap-room rush. Andy, I wish you the best in whatever is next for you. Chestertown just won’t be the same without you!
Gunther Barrows says
Andy,
You have been there for only 21 years? I would of bet the mortgage that it was much more, but thats because you have been such a part of Ctown and WC for all of us. You are a Saint for putting up with all the alumni coming back to Ctown and making a mess of your place…but we all thank you for the great memories…great music as well. Good luck in your future and have one for all of us.
A little trivia for anyone that reads this…what were the names of the gin joints previous to Andys? and there were many.
Pat says
Gunther- I can remember Andy’s being :
1. Danny’s ( a very unremarkable eatery in the 80’s)
2. C-town Saloon
3. The Commodities Exchange ( a bit before my time in town)
Many folks will miss the late night Ginza-fests. Wait until I tell Melisse !
Susan Branch Smith says
Sounds like, in this poor economic climate, a certain Dave Wright needed to capitalize on YOUR good work, Andy. It’s a rotten year to lose your lease, and a rotten way to lose it, and although I never hope the worst for anyone, I do hope Dave Wright learns his lesson.
I’ll miss Andy’s, Andy, and hope to see you this week! Thanks for running such a top-notch place.
Joy Levy says
Oh, this is very sad news! Andy’s was the coolest place, with the best music and great food and friendly people and a fab vibe. I lived in Ctown from ’98-’02, and I don’t know what I would have done without this wonderful establishment to hang in. Dave and I saw so many great bands. Ctown will never be the same. Andy – thanks for all of the memories and your years of service.
John Phoebus says
I truly cannot imagine Chestertown without Andy’s. Andy, thank you for creating such a wonderful place for us. You will be missed!
Susan Hanna says
Andy, thank you for all the wonderful memories.. “Andys” will always have a special place in my heart!!! It just isn’t right!!! Good luck to you in your future endeavors!!!
Susan
Ed Deasy says
While sorry about the passing of Andy’s, I’m am very pleased that Andy herself will get sometime to relax and to contemplate what she really wants to do. I’m also glad to she has in interest in the “music,” as I am sure Chestertown will need and should have a great place to hear music.
Charlottesville just lost a “venue” called Gravity Lounge, which seemed to bring some of the best, and the more unusual, acts. Its closing left a real hole in the entertainment spectrum.. While C-vlle has larger venues, “Gravity,” like Andy’s, allowed you sit close to the players, and no other place here can provide the same experience.
So, Andy, get some sleep already!
Ed Deasy
Melanie Wentzell Goas says
This is sad, sad news for WAC Alum and C-Town. Andy’s was and is my favorite bar of all time. It is the standard by which I measure all others. I’ve never found Ginza or a better Irish Coffee anywhere else, and many of my favorite college memories were made there.
Andy-best wishes to you. Should you decide to establish elsewhere, you’re sure to have a huge following. And shame on your landlord, who may soon realize his mistake!
Anne Massoni says
While it’s been many years since I was a regular I will surely miss Andy’s. I hope that Chestertown will continue to be the vibrant, sweet town that it is — but some things are just not the same when the proprietor who put so much time and energy into making something wonderful is no longer there. Andy — I hope the next chapter is an exciting and fulfilling one for you. Here’s to all the fond memories you helped to create — the reunions, the music, the laughs, the weekly gatherings!
TC says
Andy’s has been an institution in our lifetime. Emma’s Pasttime Bar ruled at 337 High Street in the 40s, 50s, 60s, and into the 70s! In the late 50s Emma’s hosted many pool tourneys with shooters coming from all over the shore to play 8 ball. Before Emma moved on in the 70s, one could find regular George snoozing on his bar stool at the end of the bar (close to where the cash register is now). Then I think it became The Ctown Saloon, then The Commodity Exchange, then The Back Forty, and finally Andy’s. Someone correct me if it was not in that order. (I believe Danny’s was briefly on Cross Street started by Dinner Dan Jankelunas, WC grad in the late 70s).
George Spilich says
I’m so sad. Andy’s is at the core of what makes Chestertown a terrific place to live. Good food, good drinks, bartenders with attitude and Andy’s has always managed to bring class music acts to town. What could be more fun than dinner and a drink in the back room, talking with friends or listening to good music, Andy: no one can replace you and what ever you do next, know you have the affection and admiration of thousands and thousands of current and former townspeople.
Jodie Littleton says
Andy, thanks for the honor and delight of gigs at your place. I’ll miss the great vibe. Thanks for bringing such great music to C-town.
sharon d'aquino says
Andy I will miss your hello’s and smile. I hope to see you start a new venue after you get a well deservered rest.
I will miss Cindy and how she would graciously wait on my indecisiveness when ordering. So many good menu items always. The music was always much enjoyed in a relaxing atmosphere. I will miss the back room where I would often be alone in the early 2000’s doing my artwork right there. Thank you to everyone and You will be missed.
Jane & Gordon Chapman says
Now all you folks with deep pockets don’t fall over yourselves with offers to partner Andy’s new venture. Andy would obviously make a great CEO-manager. I suggest turning the Hilltop Inn property (for sale) into Goddard’s Music Bar and Lounge (good parking and possibly even enough room for a beer garden).
Kate says
My husband and I had our first date in Chestertown at Andy’s and are so sad that we can’t fly in for the last night. The people there were so much fun, not to mention that the chili (with jalapenos and sour cream) was the best thing ever! Many fond memories. Andy, thank you for your long service to the Chestertown community. You, and your iconic bar, will be missed.
PS – are you selling the ginza boule machine? LOL!
Jim Luff says
I could not believe it when I heard that Andy’s (as we know it) was closing. It is part of the fabric that makes Chestertown so unique. Though I left Chestertown in 1997, I have never been far away and always enjoyed the chance to go back to Andy’s. I have always used Andy’s as the benchmark for an establishment that caters to giving people the opportunity to have a great time. There was nothing like leaving the office on a Friday afternoon and walking into Andy’s for happy hour. Pat always had a jack and water waiting at the end of the bar for me. Andy, you deserve a rest. You put your heart and soul into the place. Yes, change is inevitable, but it does not necessarily mean that we have to like it. We will see you one more time before you leave!
Bill In Elkton says
Th one time I go to Chestertown, it was on a day when Andy’s was closed, but I know that when I come back, there will be an Andy’s to go to. I’ve heard about the music there and the music is important to the town.
The Remnants says
The Remnants have been playing at Andy’s for a good dozen years now and we are truly sad to see Andy herself stepping away. There are few, if any, club owners left who actually value the music itself. She is a rare breed indeed. No matter what happens to the place now (her shoes will be near impossible to fill) it will be just that – a place, not an institution as Andy made it. We can’t wait for her to emerge at her next venture.
“The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.” – Hunter Thompson
Libby & Pete says
Kent County is home to a bunch of us who grew up in that bar, with you, Andy. Thanks and good luck to you, you will be missed.
gary says
Over the years I’ve seen many bands at Andy’s and virtually ever one of them put on a great show.
Here are a few that stand out in my memory:
The Remnants -especially last Halloween.
Radio Mosaic-with a particularly happy audience.
Common Ground-the “bluegrass super group”
and
the Palm Wine Boys-where else could you see Western Africa Guitar music?
Thanks so much for all the years of music. Wish you all the best.
RF says
This is really a travesty, but just like NYC’s Bottom Line and CBGB, these things never end well. As a college town, Chestertown was already underserved as a destination for great live music on a regular basis, and without Andy Goddard brilliantly pulling in acts like Bombadil, Miss Tess, Ellis Paul, and the rest, we music fans are going to need to travel to Rock Hall (the Mainstay), and/or Easton (Night Cat & the Avalon) to get our fix, unless the Prince can step up.
I can’t say that my expectations are high for the new ownership continuing the level of music that we’ve come to expect at Andy’s over the past two decades. After all, the guy won’t even fix a leaky roof.
dl says
Still kind of in shock you won’t be rushing off on your bicycle every afternoon to the wonderful place you created and nurtured all these many years. If only all business owners had the patience, talent and passion that you have put into Andy’s. You always knew how to cook and your music was always cutting edge, even way back when we hung out with you on Cannon Street. It was no surprise to me that you would be so successful creating a cozy bistro in Chestertown, a communityI know you truly love. I suspect once you enjoy the break you haven’t had in 21 years, you’ll be up to something related to food, music, and other soul-soothing ventures. In the meantime, put your feet up and polish off some of those mystery novels you must have stacked up here and there!
John says
Even for a first-time visitor, Andy’s had an appealing ambience that started with the snug awning-covered entrance. Food and service were always great.
For someone who practically lived there, like myself, there was an intangible warmth and personality to the room that will be irreplaceable even if the name sounds the same. I played in a band there once a week for four years during college, and I really grew up a lot, thanks to Andy’s patience and generosity towards young musicians.
In subsequent years it was a treat to come back—like coming home. It’ll never be the same. I don’t know what financial forces are at play to force the change—for all we know Andy was ready to hang it up. But Chestertown has lost an anchoring institution and it will take years to cultivate a replacement.
Leland says
We’ll miss Andy. Many a time my wife and I would pull our little Airstream trailer and stay in a nearby campground just to see a performance and dine at Andy’s. I can’t imagine anything coming close to what she had.