City approves license for Hangar 9

Carbondale's historic Hangar 9 once again holds a liquor license as anticipation builds for its expected reopening later this summer.

The downtown bar’s new owners, SIU alumni Andrew Perlmutter and Scott Moller, received a warm welcome Tuesday from members of the city council, who commended the pair for their plans to reopen the business at 511 S. Illinois Ave.

The council, acting as the local liquor control commission, unanimously approved the liquor license, which is largely identical to the license held by Hangar under its previous ownership.

Hangar 9 closed its doors on Dec. 31 after 47 years of operation. Perlmutter and Moller acquired the venue from longtime owner Sally Carter, who will remain involved as a consultant.

The business is expected to reopen around Aug. 4.

“I’m very excited for the Hangar to be coming back,” council member Dawn Roberts said prior to the vote. “This is a Carbondale institution, and I’m absolutely thrilled to see it.”

Perlmutter said he studied at SIU during the late 1990s and is looking forward to this new chapter in Carbondale.

“I love Carbondale, and I’m super excited to come back and see what we can do to continue the great vibe this town has had and hopefully will continue to have,” he said.

“We’re all super excited about you coming back,” Mayor Carolin Harvey said.