'Time To Step Away': Popular Salem Sports Bar, Restaurant Sold

SALEM, MA — A popular downtown Salem sports bar and restaurant will have new owners, a new look and, apparently, a new staff beginning next month after owners of The Derby Salem announced that "it breaks our hearts" to tell customers and community that the business has been sold.

"After almost seven years and enough memories to last a lifetime," ownership posted on social media, "it is time to step away."

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The new ownership will take effect as of Dec. 1, with the restaurant saying that it is working with its current staff to find them other hospitality positions in the area.

"We want to send out a special thank you to all of those who have supported us throughout our journey and make sure we thank all of our stellar members of our team for all they have done to make The Derby a success," the announcement said. "It goes without saying that over the years we have worked with some truly remarkable people that we consider friends and family, and will always cherish the relationship that The Derby has injected into our lives.

"From the Drag Brunches to Kentucky Derby and Sunday football to the Celtics winning the championship, each year, month, week and day has left us with stories of just how amazing Salem is."

The Derby Salem owners did not name the new business owners or what type of restaurant would be run in its place.

The Derby Salem opened in March of 2019 — exactly one full year before the COVID-19 shutdowns.

Owners said it was a struggle to get through that closure and the ensuing year-long restrictions, but that the restaurant "bounced back with the support of our community and celebrated many great times."

The restaurant's annual Movember fundraising efforts raised more than $50,000 for the Salem Fire Fighters' Relief Fund. It will continue to hold the fundraising promotion in the final weeks of operation this year.

"We aren't done yet," owners said, "and we want to go out with a bang."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)