Route 66 Bar might reopen in Jan

CENTRAL TOLEDO - Central Toledo's Route 66 Kitchen Bar and Grill, the site of a wild shootout among patrons in early October, might reopen its doors in January 2010.

Mayor Carty Finkbeiner has been working with the owner of the Westwood Avenue establishment to make the place safer, spokeswoman Megan Robson said.

Days after video was released of the Oct. 8 shootout, that became a worldwide viral hit, Mayor Finkbeiner was interested in getting the bar closed down.

Nearly two months after the incident and meetings with the owner and Police Chief Mike Navarre, Robson said Mr. Finkbeiner may agree with some new safety measures at the bar.

The bar owner must comply with the requirements of Bob Reinbolt, the city's Safety Director. They also need to make necessary provisions to protect the surrounding neighborhood and patrons of their establishment.

Until an agreement is reached, the Route 66 Kitchen Bar and Grill remains closed.

The mayor was unavailable for comment.

A hearing on the Route 66 Bar remains scheduled for Dec. 7 in Toledo Municipal Court.