A colorful, spherical disco ball with a pink background on the left and a light blue background on the right, reflecting bright light in multiple directions.

Rich’s owner reveals new location

By Randall Jobe

Amid speculation from several press outlets, Rich’s owner Jeff Harmon spoke exclusively to the MONTROSE STAR concerning specifics and the location of his new venture in the nightclub business.

When Harmon speaks of the pending closing of the iconic building at 2401 San Jacinto, it is understandably with equal measures of excitement and nostalgic reverence. After all, he, like so many, has a history with the dance club that came to represent the gay heyday of the 1980s and ’90s and, more recently, a resurgence of the music, the mirror ball, and top-notch entertainment.

“I was in my early twenties in 1998 when I began spending countless, fun-filled nights at Rich’s,†Harmon said. “I never dreamed that I would someday be responsible for continuing the party and the legacy.†In June 2016, Rich’s reopened with a plan to operate as a club from Pride through Super Bowl of that same year and then become an events venue.

“But,†Harmon stated, “it soon became clear that we had achieved something so many people thought could never happen. We put Rich’s back on the map among the Houston LGBTQ community and beyond, which makes it even more difficult to walk away.â€

But as the Rich’s door closes another opens on a new, exciting chapter at a not-so-new, familiar location. 202 Tuam in Montrose, formerly F Bar and more recently Mynt, will house Harmon’s new endeavor named ReBar, which will utilize the recognizable letter “R†from Rich’s.

Renovations have already begun that will include a refiguring of the stage, replacement of the glassed-in bar off the patio (removed when Mynt took over) and removal of the enormous chandelier replaced by the same spiked-mirrored disco ball that even in the logo has come to symbolize Rich’s.

“I want to incorporate some elements that people are used to and expect, including resident DJs, entertainers, and many of the bartenders and staff that patrons feel comfortable with,†Harmon said. “New will be a refigured dance floor that is a bit larger than the footprint at Rich’s and will alleviate the congestion around the serving area in the new space.â€

Guest DJs and well-known entertainers will continue as a Rich’s staple. VIP and bottle service will be offered in an area in the heart of the action with access to all the excitement.

Although the address has seen some improvements, notably with the sewage issues and building wear-and-tear, there is still much work to be done that Harmon said will happen gradually over the next immediate months.

“However, we are anxious to be up and running with as little lapse between closing Rich’s and opening ReBar as is possible to serve our loyal customers,†he said. “As it was to many, Rich’s was home to me, but I hope they will welcome the move as we establish new roots with much of the same elements they are accustomed to.

“I will probably avoid the old address for a while,†Harmon added with a smile mixed with a bit of melancholy.

ReBar is scheduled to open on October 4, if all goes according to plan. To start, the nights of operation will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday with hopes to expand to five nights per week. Harmon sees the Montrose as a definite plus for location, accessibility, and versatility for hosting events and fundraisers.

For those like Harmon, who grew up in Rich’s and a newer generation recently acquainted, the dance, the music, the mirror ball and the memories will continue in a new incarnation. A redo, a rebirth — ReBar.

About author

Comments are closed.