On Roy Clark, Hee Haw, Joe Huber's Restaurant and Gospel Bird.

That's good!

No, that's bad.

In the wake of Roy Clark's passing, there have been many appreciations focused on Clark's amazing skills as a musician, but also for his decades-long contribution to popular culture in the form of co-host of the syndicated television series Hee Haw.

Clark himself told the story in 2015:

My lukewarm-at-best initial commitment to Hee Haw turned into a job that lasted 24 years (from 1969 to 1993) amassing 585 one-hour episodes. How the show came about and how it lasted and prospered far beyond anyone’s wildest hopes foreshadowed the incredible growth in popularity country music would demonstrate over the next few decades.

Yesterday was a one of those good news/bad news moments. I've no intention of rewriting the script because I don't need a haircut, but here's the lowdown.

That's good: "Joe Huber’s Restaurant and nearby property will stay in the family and in business after an auction Saturday at the iconic Starlight, Indiana, tourist destination. And much of the farmland that many worried might get chopped into subdivisions will be preserved."

That's bad: Gospel Bird bows out after a three-year run ... but maybe that's good, too. Eric Morris and his crew (as it turned out, a crew of both past and present employees) had the chance to say goodbye on their own terms. Not everyone in the brutal restaurant business has the opportunity to play a farewell card -- and after all, Hull & High Water is still very much in business.

Photo borrowed from my cousin Sabrina.

THE BEER BEAT: Neace Ventures acquires Tin Man Brewing Company.

This just in from Angie Fenton.

For now, just the press release. After U2 is finished tonight and there is time to think, maybe I'll offer analysis, but for now, I'm simply delighted for the Davidsons. They're first-rate folks and I hope this is a power move for them.

And this: Damn it Neace Ventures, I was really hoping you'd buy my 1/3 share of NABC. Guess I'll keep having to e-mail that guy in Shanghai.

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Neace Ventures Acquires Tin Man Brewing Company

Kentuckiana-based venture capital company adds Evansville Brewery to Portfolio


Louisville, Ky. (June 16, 2017) – Neace Ventures, a Kentuckiana-based venture capital and real estate firm, has acquired Tin Man Brewing Co. in Evansville, Ind.

“Neace Ventures is excited to announce the acquisition of Tin Man Brewing Company,” said Neace Ventures President Brad Estes. “The synergies that this fine company brings to our food and beverage portfolio are countless. We proudly welcome the Davidson family into the Neace Ventures family.”

Tin Man Brewing, which is located at 1430 W. Franklin St. in Evansville, ceased its Tasting Room operations in late March but continued brewery production for its distribution network while seeking a new owner.

“We’re very excited about this partnership,” said Tin Man Brewing President Nick Davidson. “We have always been a family business, and now we’re becoming a part of a bigger family.”

The acquisition, which was prepared by Middleton Reutlinger and financed by German American Bank, expands Neace Ventures’ food and beverage portfolio, which already includes Old 502 Winery, Falls City Brewing Company, Over the Nine, and Brownies “The Shed” Bar and Grille. It also affirms Neace Ventures’ commitment to communities and partnerships.

“Falls City couldn’t be happier to welcome a new sister company. Tin Man’s brand reputation speaks for itself and its people are a class act,” said Falls City President Shane Uttich. “Our entire team is excited.”

In addition to the acquisition of Tin Man, Falls City previously announced that it will move its Louisville brewing and tap room operations to East Liberty Street in NuLu/Phoenix Hill. This will allow Old 502 Winery to expand its operations at 116 S. 10th St.

The Neace Ventures headquarters are located at 110 W. Main St. Louisville, Ky. Chairman John Neace founded the company after building and selling one of the nation’s largest insurance brokerages. Find out more about the company at neaceventures.com.

Irish Exit makes its ... exit.

Matt McMahan reveals all on Facebook:

Well....four years in the making... The Irish Exit has been sold. We've pissed off a lot of people. We've made a ton of friends. But the time has come to let it go. The new owner is changing the name , concept and all. Wish Cyle the best of luck. And now on to the opening of Charlie Nobels Eatery + Draught House in Sellersburg , Pride bar + lounge downtown NA and we also we be announcing the location for Big Four Burgers New Albany soon too!!!

I'm told the new owner will open an Italian bistro called Don Vito's.

Personal note: I still believe a solid American-style Irish pub would work here. And a downtown taqueria. But I think two Italian joints are one too many. Just my opinion, nothing more. The market will decide.