Bartholomews to take over Benchwarmers; changing name to Playmakers

Melissa and Earl Bartholomew will be taking over ownership of Benchwarmers Sports Bar and Grill next week. Melissa Bartholomew has confirmed that the couple will be meeting with current co-owners Ken and Cathy Matney on Monday to sign and finalize a deal to take over the business. She has announced her intention to change its name to Playmakers.

The Bartholomews, who currently co-own Mel’s on Main and The Other Side in downtown Chanute, were also co-owners of Mel’s Southside Tavern. That historic drinking establishment was the source of a longstanding dispute between the couple and the City of Chanute over structural issues with its eastern and western walls. The city recently voted to demolish the building and to pay the Bartholomews $40,000. The city had also offered the couple help in finding a new downtown location for their business

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