According to co-owner Robert Guercio, he and his two partners have given up the reins to 307 Downtown, their Jefferson Street nightclub, and the Memorial Day weekend was the club’s swan song. Guercio would not disclose terms of the deal, but says two out-of-state businessmen and one local entrepreneur teamed up and will be subleasing the 307 building for a new entertainment venue catering to young professionals.
After opening as 307 Jazz and Blues Club seven years ago, 307 was initially the house club for Lafayette blues legend Carol Fran, and then made a bit of a splash by booking high-profile New Orleans acts like Dr. John and George Porter Jr., as well as touring acts like Johnny Winter. Regular forays into comedy also became part of the mix, but in recent years, the club scaled back its ambitious bookings and featured up-and-coming locals for free in 307’s front room. Guercio and co-owners Michael Delcambre and Dr. Darrell Henderson turned their focus to a complete renovation of the space next to 307 and turned it into The Green Room, which has been a successful pool hall.
“I liken owning a live music venue to running a relay race, and it’s time for us to hand off the baton,” says Guercio. “We have a successful business next door, and don’t have the time and energy to apply to continue to make 307 rise to the occasion.” Guercio says the new team taking over the 307 location intend to do a complete renovation of the facility, and will continue to offer entertainment and live music.