Big Brad’s closed this week after a decade-long run at 309 South Broadway. 

“This was one of the last Cheers left in Rochester,” said co-owner Tanner Reeve. “ We knew our customers well.  It was where you could be with your friends and feel like you were at home." 

Reeve blamed the bar’s closure on a number of factors, including a recent city decision to raise annual liquor fees from $3,200 to $7,500. 

He also cited challenges with downtown parking, along with the increased competition from new businesses that have opened. 

“It shows that the economic climate downtown is now at its cap,” he said. 

Reeve said he has talked with other nearby bar owners who share his concerns about the rising cost of doing business downtown. 

He also suggested the addition of more establishments outside of the downtown will further lead to fewer people making their way to the city center for nightlife. 

Since opening in 2010, Big Brad’s had operated as one of the few true dive bars downtown.  The establishment was known for its cheap drinks, good service — and more recently, Tuesday night salsa dancing. 

Future plans for the building are not known.  It was purchased in 2016 for $1.7 million by GKH2 Holdings LLC as part of a deal that also included the adjacent Paine furniture building. 

Sean Baker is a Rochester journalist and the founder of Med City Beat.