Bar Lucci, a downtown Kent bar popular with students, has closed permanently. The business made the announcement in a Facebook post that thanked its staff and wished them well.

“Bar closed for good. Love our staff. If you see ’em, love ’em back. All the best,” the post read.

Opening in 2022, the bar quickly became a student favorite for its late night atmosphere, drinks and pizza. The venue regularly hosted themed nights, DJ’s and other events that drew large crowds, with lines outside the door.

Eric Helmstedter, the economic development director for the city of Kent, said the city was aware of a possible closure after earlier social media posts from the owner suggested the bar might shut down. He added no city-related factors such as licensing, zoning or code enforcement contributed to the closure.

“There is no direct correlation that can be attributed to a business closing and any impact on the larger downtown business community,” Helmstedter said.

Students noticed the bar appeared quieter compared to earlier in the school year. Aly Lastoria, a sophomore business management major, said she noticed the bar seemed less busy in recent months.

“It seemed mostly dead when I’d pass by, and no one really wanted to go anymore,” Lastoria said.

Closings and openings are a normal part of downtown Kent’s business cycle, Helmstedter said. 

“In the past 12 months in the downtown area, there have been three closures,” he said. “However, there have been four new restaurants and bars that have opened in that same period, with two additional new restaurants scheduled to open soon.”

Lastoria was not surprised by the closure following a reported gun-related incident at the bar earlier this year. She said the bar had previously been a popular destination for students.

“When classes first started, the line for Lucci was out the door and down the street for hours,” she said.

In a text message sent to the Kent Stater, co-owner Jon Finley said the decision to close ultimately came down to the business struggling from the start. 

​​“Not much to talk about,” Finley said. “It was a sinking ship from day one. That’s all there is to it.”

Lastoria added that the closure may reflect broader changes in Kent’s nightlife scene.

​​“I feel like nightlife in Kent has changed a lot lately,” she said. “Most of the bars have been pretty bare, and it’s not even as fun going out anymore.” 

Savannah Carroll is a hard beat reporter. Contact her at [email protected].