Solomons, MD – Rumors have been circulating throughout Southern Maryland about the future of one of the region’s iconic watering holes. The most prevalent of the rumors is that the Tiki Bar in Solomons has served up its last Mai Tai. “There has been no final decision in that regard,” said local attorney V. Charles Donnelly, who is handling the estate of the bar’s late owner, Terry A. Clarke. Clarke died suddenly Sept. 19 at the age of 54.
Donnelly said the bar, which hosts a very well-attended opening every year in late April, is up for sale but there are still plans to reopen the business, which operates six months during the spring and summer. “The Tiki Bar generates $1.2 million to $1.4 million annually,” said Donnelly. “Wouldn’t it be more sensible to open it?” Donnelly told TheBayNet.com there is uncertainty that the Tiki Bar will be ready to open on its traditional date, the third Friday in April—as it has since the early 1980s.
Dennis Murphy of Murphy Commercial Real Estate in Anne Arundel County told TheBayNet.com that the Tiki Bar property has been listed for sale. “There are no details yet,” said Murphy. “Information packages are in the works. An appraisal is being conducted on behalf of the estate.”
Donnelly confirmed that the Tiki Bar’s ancillary businesses—a souvenir store call “All Things Tiki” and a cigar shop are both closed. Another co-located business—Island Sushi—remains open. Donnelly also said a nearby business, the Grill Sergeant, is expected to undergo a name and ownership change.
Clarke, who founded Marine Technologies Inc. in Baltimore, got involved in the ownership and management of the Tiki Bar during the middle of the last decade.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com