Photos by Jason Benavides
Oct. 3. By Dave Vieser. The Cornelius version of Cheers, better known as the Old Town Public House (OTPH), will close in January, according to a message posted on social media this week. The popular gathering spot on Catawba Avenue near the Cain Center will shut its doors permanently to make way for new development in downtown Cornelius.
“OTPH will be closing its doors on Jan. 11 as this block prepares for a new chapter,” the owners said. “Change is never easy, but with change comes the promise of fresh beginnings—new businesses, new stories, and new reasons for our community to gather right here in the heart of downtown.”
The town is nearing completion of its downtown master plan, which includes recommendations for developing the area near Town Hall and the Catawba Avenue/Main Street intersection.
Owner Case Warnemunde opened OTPH in 2015 as one of the first entertainment venues in downtown Cornelius. The closure will impact not only loyal patrons but also many local musicians.
“As a recently retired New York music teacher and a new resident of Cornelius, OTPH quickly became a source of musical inspiration to me,” said Michael Coffey, who plays with the band A Southern Wind. “I started by attending open jam sessions, where I met musicians with whom I am currently in a band that regularly performs at OTPH. The closing of its doors will be a great loss to the community, and OTPH will be sorely missed as a center for the support of local live music.”
Between now and Jan. 11, customers and music lovers can still enjoy OTPH’s craft beer, wine, cider, seltzer, and more, as well as food trucks, live music, and events.
