BY BO EMERSON
Steve Harris, owner of the Variety Playhouse in Little Five Points, confirmed Monday that he had sold the well-known music venue to Agon Entertainment, owners of the Georgia Theatre in Athens.
In a press release issued Monday afternoon, the new owners wrote “Agon Entertainment has brought on Georgia Theatre management to work together with Variety Playhouse’s former owner & staff to oversee the transition.”
The release said Agon had drawn up architectural plans to renovate the 700-plus-seat club, and that renovations would take place next year, between May and August. “The goal of the purchase and partnership is to give a fresh face to the venue, both physically and operationally,” the new owners wrote.
Harris took over the defunct movie theater building in 1990, and turned it into one of the most popular club-sized venues in Atlanta. He said the sale was effective as of Monday, Nov. 2.
“All good things come to an end,” said Harris. He said that he and the staff would stay on as part of the management of the facility for at least a year.
The changes at the Variety will include more restrooms, a higher seating capacity and a more efficient bar, he said. The bar is currently cash-only.
“We’re going to maintain standards in the room, and the focus on production and having great shows,” said Harris.
Harris said he will probably continue producing music events in Atlanta, after his association with the Variety is over.
“I don’t imagine I’ll stop doing concerts. I don’t know what else I’ll do.”
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