Area 142, The large outdoor bar and music venue in downtown Cocoa Beach, announced Tuesday that it would be cancelling all events through the end of the year, with plans to reestablish under a new brand and new ownership.
After opening its doors less than a year ago, the indoor/outdoor bar located at State Road A1A and Minuteman Causeway in the heart of Cocoa Beach became known for hosting open-air concerts by bands and DJs on an expanse of artificial turf where patrons played cornhole and other outdoor games, sometimes to the chagrin of those living near downtown who pressured the city into passing tighter noise ordinance earlier this year.
Its owner, Eddie Rose, was outspoken about the new noise measures, which he said would cripple their business model. Rose said the ordinance was not the cause of the canceled events and planned rebranding.
“Since I’ve opened, I’ve ran this place by myself. We’ve exploded so much, that I can’t handle it on my own and properly stay in business,” Rose said. “I went out and I’ve had five or six groups come up to me and ask to come on as partners. This particular group stood out more than others.”
Bar None Creations, an Orlando-based company “that creates designs and builds themed bars” are buying out a portion of Area 142 and orchestrating the rebrand, according to Rose. With the new partners will come a possible name change.
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“I want Area 142 to continue to be the best place on the beach. We’re probably going to change the name,” Rose said. “My new partners are very fluent in entertainment and events. They know how it works so we’re looking to come back even stronger.”Cocoa Beach Mayor Keith Capizzi said he believes the “future of it is going to be something really cool. It’s still going to have live music and similar events but much better.”
“A bunch of people on Facebook take things and blow it out of proportion and turn it into something it’s not. It’s not as big a deal as it might seem to be,” he added.
Rose said the changes brought to the venue will “breathe new life into the space, reimagining its purpose and potential. The change in management signifies and opportunity to infuse fresh energy and artistic creativity into the venue.”
He added that he and Bar None Creations will maintain a “community-approach” and that “community involvement will remain a cornerstone of the new venture. Expect a vibrant event calendar featuring music, art, collaborations and opportunities for local artists, entertainers and entrepreneurs to shine.”
