CORTEZ – The closing of Bunny & Pirates Bazaar is imminent, but not by the choice of owners Elizabeth Shore and Jeffrey O’Connell.
The news of the closing was announced by the two business owners on Facebook on March 16, two days after a notice to vacate was posted on the outer door of the bar and music venue.
“Dearest Friends – It is with heavy yet hopeful hearts we announce that Bunny & Pirates is closing. We decided last year it was time to move on and also to find someone with a passion for music and community to pick up where we left off,” the post read. “Unfortunately, we were not given the opportunity to sell our soulful creation and beloved brand – instead we have been aggressively and cruelly pushed out on short notice without options in the middle of season.”
The building at 12404 Cortez Road W. is owned by Jewfish Landings LLC with developer Shawn Kaleta as manager.
Shore told The Sun by telephone on March 17 that they had been considering selling the business and had spoken to the owner of the property about it but communications suddenly stopped during lease negotiations.
“I feel so naïve because I thought we would be able to work this out,” Shore said.
“We worked so hard to build something special and I’m heartbroken,” Shore told The Sun. “The outpouring of love on social media is a testament to what we’ve built here in the last seven years.”
“We know this comes as much as a surprise to you as it does to us,” the Facebook post continued. “We never imagined not being given the opportunity to find a path forward in Cortez where our magical musical creative space would live on.”
Shore said the venue will continue to be open for a short time and did not have a specific date for its final closing.
“We still have a few shows planned, so there’s a little time,” she said. “We will be having a going away party, but I don’t have a date yet.”
More than 180 comments were posted on Facebook in support of Shore and O’Connell and the uniqueness of the space which consisted of a pub and wine bar, a deli and market and live music in the beer garden out back.
Gord Hunter wrote: “Very sorry to hear this. Our band Northern Exposure has a ton of fond memories playing there. And the open mic helped us build to where we are today. Heartfelt thanks to you both and best wishes.”
“Breaks our hearts as y’all truly represent the Cortezian spirit,” wrote Mick Green.
“You guys were our hidden gem! Bringing unique music to the area that was so different from everywhere else around here! The beer garden was secluded, quaint and personable,” Sharon Chandler wrote.
“We’re losing a lot of old Florida,” Shore said. “The comfortable atmosphere here is what people loved.”
An email request for comment to Bradenton-based Attorney George Najmy, the registered agent for Jewfish Landings LLC, was not responded to by press time.
