Trivia Pub Sale Still in Limbo

More than a year after developers from Autozone Inc. courted it, the owner of the former Trivia Pub said a deal to sell the University Boulevard building has not yet been finalized. 

John Scanlon, who owns The Beer Store and the now-defunct  with his partner, Frank Cullen, said there has been no word from Memphis-based Autozone Inc. about a sale for the property. 

In April 2010, Scanlon and Cullen began negotiations to sell the bar and retail store to Autozone. Scanlon the bar in December 2010 after the autoparts retailer sent him a letter of intent to purchase the building. 

Months later, Scanlon said Autozone has put in place no tentatative timeline for the property's purchase or opening of the new store. Autozone is slated to demolish the current building, which has functioned as a bar for more than 60 years. 

Developers for the company  township supervisors in March that they would break ground on the new facility this summer.  

Scanlon said he expected the sale to be completed this fall but is now unsure of when the deal might be finalized. 

"We're waiting on them," said Scanlon, of Aliquippa. "They always say next month, next month." 

AutoZone representatives could not be reached for comment. 

Scanlon said he has no plans to reopen the bar. The Beer Store, housed above the former bar, remains open.

"Right now we don't know," Scanlon said. "After the holidays we might have an idea."