The September 28 grand re-opening of Giovanna's Lounge was 34 years in the making. The bar, located on W. Vernor between W. Grand Blvd. and I-75, was originally opened in 1973 by Giovanna Rodriguez.
In 1986, the bar burned down. She re-opened two years later and operated the neighborhood pub until her retirement in 2005.
That didn't last. "She came back," says Kathy Stott from Mexicantown Hubbard Communities. "She wanted to save the business, reinvest, make sure it didn't fall down the wrong road."
The building, until recently, had an unassuming white facade. Rodriguez invested $30,000 to add awnings, a colorful paint job and a delightful outdoor patio to her bar. Stott says the patio has already been a draw to
Matrix Theatre patrons looking for a reason to stay in the neighborhood post-show.
Rodriguez's investment received a matching facade grant from Mexicantown Hubbard, which is a partnership between
Mexicantown Community Development Corporation,
Bagley Housing Association and
Southwest Housing Solutions.
Giovanna's hours of operation are noon until 2 a.m. every day except for Wednesday, when it is closed.
Source: Kathy Stott, Mexicantown Hubbard Communities
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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