Another piece of Mill Avenue history is succumbing to developers: The Sail Inn Bar & Grill is closing June 29, according to the New Times.
Gina Lombardi took over the then-Last Chance Saloon – located at Farmer Avenue and First Street, just over a block west of Mill – in 1989. She changed the name and built a reputation for local music and cheap drinks.
Lombardi sold her rustic venue in 2006. When its successor (a nightclub called Trax) failed, she leased the property and reopened The Sail Inn.
Now, the property, which is adjacent to Tempe Beach Park, has changed hands again, and its new owner wants to re-develop the 1.34-acre parcel.
Lombardi plans a huge farewell party, featuring many of the local bands that regularly played The Sail Inn.
