Gabe's coming back to Iowa City

The Picador in Iowa City, which  will reopen March 24, 2010, under its former moniker of Gabe's , new owner Steve Federspiel of North Liberty  said.

The Picador closed on Thursday, and Federspiel completed his purchase of the business from Mike Logan of Lawrence, Kans., on Friday.

"If I could have one bar in Iowa City, Gabe's would be the one," said Federspiel, who owns Slims Saloon  in Tiffin, and expects to open Coach's Corner, a new sports bar, on March 7 at 749 Mormon Trek Blvd.

Federspiel said he hopes to build on the reputation of Gabe's as a live music bar from the days when it snagged acts such as Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, and John Mayer.

"It's been a good place for a long time, and we'd like to try to bring back some of its former glory," Federspiel said.

About 500 people joined the Facebook page , Gabe's Iowa City , in the first two days it has been up, Federspiel said, suggesting a high level of interest in the venue.

Plans call for the  building at 330 E. Washington St. include a small DJ stage downstairs that will also serve as a stage for acoustic musicians, and improving the upstairs stage used by larger acts. The restrooms will also receive some needed attention, Federspiel added.

Federspiel said Logan has other properties, and decided to sell The Picador because he "just couldn't spend enough time up here."

A liquor license transfer request from Federspiel is scheduled for consideration by the Iowa City City Council on March 23. That would pave the way for Gabe's to reopen on March 24, with grand opening events on March 26 and 27. Acts will include Daphne Willie and Jake Dilley and The Color Pharmacy.

Federspiel leased the former Bob's Your Uncle Pizza Cafe space at 749 Mormon Trek Blvd. for his new sports bar, Coach's Corner.  He said the new bar will be outfitted with a 65-inch plasma screen television, 8-9 smaller flat screen televisions, and two pool tables.

The menu will include a full menu of sandwiches, salads, wraps, and a signature pizza style with an original sauce.

With warm weather coming, Federspiel expects the large beer garden to be a popular attraction.

Meanwhile, Slim's in Tiffin is getting ready for its 25th annual winter volleyball party. Federspiel said he's always amazed at how many people are enthused about playing volleyball, even when it's only 10 degrees outside.