Churchill's Pub not reopening yet despite online buzz

This week has been an emotional roller coaster for fans of Churchill's Pub, who were led to believe the long-shuttered dive bar was reopening this weekend after a five-year closure.

• It's not — but a rep for the new owner tells Axios they'll have more to say when reopening "details are finalized."

Why it matters: As more of Miami's classic spots close down, the return of Churchill's would mark a rare reversal of fortune for locals who miss the old Miami.

Yes, but: Little is known about the new owner, who bought Churchill's in a forced sale last year amid foreclosure lawsuits, or his plans for the Little Haiti bar.

Zoom in: The buzz around a potential reopening began Tuesday, when a local music promoter made a surprise announcement on Instagram about a "grand reopening party" Saturday.

• Some fans couldn't believe it, with one commenting, "Is this a joke?"
• "Wutttt," Miami electro-pop group Afrobeta commented.
• "No joke," promoter Dig Under Rock replied.
• Artists mentioned in the concert flyer were also promoting the show online Wednesday.

Plans soon changed when Dig Under Rock announced a "change of venue" to The Club in North Miami.

• "Don't shoot the messenger," said the Instagram.

Friction point: The switch led to frustration and bemusement from jaded Churchill's fans, who may remember when the pub's Instagram page tricked some into thinking it was being turned into a Chili's.

• "Did you guys just troll the reopening of [Churchill's] for publicity? Even though it kinda stings, hats off to you, all publicity is good publicity," the lead singer of local metal band Prophets Of The Dark Side commented.
• "Corny," another comment read.

The intrigue: Concert booker Frank Falestra told Miami New Times he organized the Saturday show at Churchill's but the owner later told him the venue wasn't ready.

• The grand opening will "most likely" be next month, Falestra told New Times, adding that Churchill's has shows scheduled all the way through December.

What they're saying: In a statement to Axios, Dig Under Rock said the concert "was originally booked at Churchill's but Churchill's isn't quite ready to reopen .... Churchill's will hopefully reopen in a couple of weeks."

• David Siqueiros, the communications director for Churchill's, confirmed to Axios Saturday isn't the day.
• "We truly appreciate the passion and enthusiasm from the Churchill's community — it's a testament to how much this place means to so many," he said.

Siqueiros told Axios fans can sign up for updates at churchillspub.com, which currently states "We are back!" and "Opening soon."

Flashback: Churchill's, which first opened in 1979, closed in 2020 and has been embroiled in legal disputes among its previous owners, the bar's ex-manager and lenders.

• Ex-owner Mallory Kauderer, who's being sued by original owner David Daniels over the venue's parking lots, sold Churchill's last year to an entity named Dive Bar 215 LLC, which is controlled by someone named Philip Dillon, according to state business records.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with details about shows at Churchill's being scheduled through December.