Falstaff’s closes permanently downtown

Falstaff's Local, a 6-year-old downtown Springfield sports bar and restaurant, has shuttered for good after a two-month temporary closure brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

The 311 Park Central West establishment announced the closure in a May 16 Facebook post.

"Thank you for all the support over the years," the post reads. "We had a good run and loved it all."

Owner Scott Morris could not be reached for comment by deadline.

In announcing the temporary closure on April 1, a separate Facebook post indicated the bar's shutdown could last until October.

"We have to make money during the spring to get through the summer downtown. It is a ghost town down there June-September," the post reads. "Something tells me this year will be worse.

"Most bars downtown aren't lucky enough to own their buildings. They have to pay rent through this time."

Morris purchased the building on the west side of the square in 2012 and opened Falstaff's in June 2014, according to Springfield Business Journal archives. The building previously had sat vacant for years and was home to Culley's Pub in the past.

Less than a year ago, Falstaff’s was among sports bars that gained a business boost as the St. Louis Blues made its first appearance in 49 years at the Stanley Cup Final. After the Blues won the championship, the Stanley Cup trophy visited Falstaff's, as well as Bass Pro Shops and Springfield’s ice park.