It's about time! The Crocodile Cafe is scheduled to reopen sometime in late January or early February 2009 still operating as a live music venue. Investors include Marcus Charles, a Seattle club owner and Capitol Hill Block Party co-producer, and his wife, Sheila, as well as Peggy Curtis (a longtime Pearl Jam associate), Sean Kinney (of Alice in Chains) and Susan Silver (manager of Alice in Chains and former manager of Soundgarden). Quite a group!
Remodeling plans include removing the wall separating the original showroom and cafe, creating a larger space with improved sightlines for live music. Some of the club's original decor, including the devil's head and the snakes on the ceiling, may not survive the remodeling.
"People should not expect a cleaned-up version of the old Crocodile," said event planner and club spokeswoman Kerri Harrop. "Nobody wants to open a Crocodile museum. But hopefully the heart and soul of the place will remain intact."
Former sound engineer Jim Anderson will again be in charge of sound. No word as of yet who will be in charge of booking music.
This is great news! Belltown just wasn't quite the same without the old Crocodile. I think the remodeling plans sound great. The place needed a little pick-me-up. Another interesting new addition will be that Via Tribunali, the local pizza chain, will take over the back bar as an adjoining business.
