Have You Heard?

John Fitzthum has closed — at least for now — his John Browns in Clifton Square.

“We’re going to take a break,” Fitzthum says. “We’re going to restrategize.”

Fitzthum opened in November in the former Clifton Wine and Jazz space.

“I think there needs to be some reconsideration of the hours. There needs to be some reconsideration of the menu,” he says. “You know, the late-night food in Wichita doesn’t work, in my opinion, which surprises me. I guess people prefer Village Inn.”

Fitzthum is going to try to make a decision by next week about either keeping John Browns or doing something new.

Regardless of what happens there, Fitzthum is going to go work for his brother-in-law, Louis Thompson, at the Candle Club. Fitzthum will be general manager.

“We’re going to be one big family over at the Candle Club.”

WICHITA — Earlier this year, Jo Zakas announced she wanted to find someone to buy or lease her Clifton Wine and Jazz bar.

She hasn’t found that someone, so she’s closed — for now.

Zakas, who owns the Clifton Square development at 3700 E. Douglas, didn’t intend for last Saturday night to be her final regular night in business. That’s what it turned out to be, though.

On July 9 at 7 p.m., Zakas will have a going-away party of sorts to use up remaining food and liquor. For a $10 cover, which will go to a charity, customers can have free food and discounted drinks.

Zakas also will still book private parties at the venue while she continues to look for a new owner.

She says it’s a turnkey operation, where everything is ready to go for a new owner.

“I wish I could have found a place like that that had everything done,” Zakas says.

The business will be closed until fall unless someone buys it before then.

“I may have to try again, I don’t know,” Zakas says.

She then reconsiders.

“No,” Zakas says confidently, “someone’s coming along.”