Jillian’s Of Albany To Close It’s Doors

The Popular Albany Sports Bar/Dance Club/Night Club/Game Room, Jillian's of Albany will be closing it's doors on August 11th. The establishment has been a hot spot on Pearl Street since 1999.

This was the official statement that was posted on Jillian's Facebook page today:

Well there is no need to continue the countdown. Next Saturday will indeed be our last night open. The last few years have been very difficult and we have no choice but to close our doors.

Jillian's is a huge space with huge overhead. Our size has always been our biggest asset and our biggest obstacle. We are closing because we simply are not doing enough business to stay open.

We always had big plans on what we could do to make the place better. Redo the nightclub, get new games in the game room etc. Those plans didn't come to fruition because we didn't have the money to spend on The renovations. It's a viscous cycle. Need to make changes to revitalize the place. Need money to make those changes.

We have had some good times and some great events since we took over Jillians in 2007. In the last few years, Shane has brought many Great national acts to our stage. He also brought Pearlapalooza to Pearl Street which hopefully will continue for years to come. 

Thanks to all who have been supportive. To the rest, you can't please everyone. You got what you wanted. Adult Chuckie Cheese is closed. We did the best we could in a hard economy in a city going through some changes.

To people who think Pearl Steeet is done, you are wrong. At some point the transition will be complete. There will be people living downtown and there will be retail. The names and formats will change but there will also be bars and restaurants. Short term prognosis may be cloudy but Pearl Street will definitely be back bigger and stronger then ever at some point.

Jillian's has employed over 1000 people in 14 years. I am sorry to add to the departure of jobs from downtown. Thank you to my staff. Some of you, and you know who you are have been really miserable, but for the most part we've been blessed with a great loyal group and I am sorry that this is how it is ending.

The bar might not have a great selection this last week but I welcome those of you who have been a part of our extended family to stop in one last time. We will be open tonight, for lunch on Tuesday, and Thursday Friday and Saturday next weekend.