Surfside Moves

Dude, where’s my bar? Surfside 7 to move early 2015
The rumors are plenty. Some wondered if the punk rock bar on college was being evicted, others if it had gone bankrupt. These rumors are false. Yes, Surfside 7 is moving, but it’s not what you think.
According to owner Kim Snodgrass, the bar is switching locations because of their landlord’s request that alcohol no longer be served in the building. Snodgrass has enjoyed many fond years in the building, but sees the change as a good opportunity. Snodgrass started there as a cocktail waitress while still in college, became a manager, and finally bought the business. Over the years, she has done a lot to customize and improve it. Though she’s sad to see it go, she is very excited to get into the new space and make it her own.
The situation for Surfside’s move looked bleak until coincidentally East Coast’s location became available. The Linden bar has been open since 2000, but has gone out of business due to higher rent and a more corporate atmosphere that owner Billy Chilas calls “Boulderfication.” The small business feel was no longer there for East Coast, and their space became open just as Surfside found out they needed to move. Snodgrass felt she “got lucky” with this opportunity to make something of a bad situation. After a process of contracts and dealing, Surfside is officially set to move into the old East Coast space.
“We’re starting over,” says Snodgrass. “This was not by choice, but I am excited. It‘s kind of a blessing in disguise.”
Her husband John Snodgrass of Drag the River is also excited to help Surfside enter this new phase. With the move, the Snodgrasses hope to cater more towards the bands and music than before. They have plans to build a larger stage and create a lounge area for the daytime hours, which can be transformed into a dance floor at night. The husband/wife duo is very family-oriented, and hopes to also create more of a family-friendly atmosphere during the daytime hours, which will begin with a lunch menu and earlier business hours.
The move will take time, but the motivation and excitement drives the team forward. Snodgrass estimates early spring of 2015 for their open. With a new kitchen manager on board, a new stage being built, a new menu being drawn up, and new bands being booked, Surfside 7 can only get better.
“We want it to be badass,” says Snodgrass. “The building itself is not what makes Surfside 7 unique. If we bring the music, people and character to the new building, it will still feel like Surfside.”