Ovation restaurant & bar in Fort Worth closed

This after the owners recently completed a renovation and expansion.

Ovation in Fort Worth

FORT WORTH — Ovation, the restaurant-and-live-music-venue on Camp Bowie Boulevard in Fort Worth, recently closed, confirmed by a spokesman for Village at Camp Bowie, the shopping center where it was located.

The restaurant's website now has a message, posted last week, that says, "Ovation has closed. Thanks to all of you for your support over the last 3 years!"

Owners Mike and Carrie Musgrove opened Ovation in July of 2006, with the goal "to provide Fort Worth with a place to hear top notch local and regional talent in a relaxing environment with a unique food menu."

The Musgroves were unavailable for comment, but neighboring businesses in the center said that they'd been locked out of the space.

One acquaintance of a staff member who asked not to be identified said that the restaurant "went into total default," and that bills to vendors, landlords, and staffers had gone unpaid.

The restaurant experienced a drop in business after the departure of chef Keith Hicks, who left in September 2008 to open Buttons, a similar restaurant-combination-live-music-venue.

In the fall of 2009, the Musgroves undertook a significant renovation and expansion of the dining room and front of the house.

David Burgher, co-owner of Village on the Green, said that discussion has already been initiated with "several replacement groups" to take over the location.

"I think we should have a replacement within the next couple weeks," Burgher said.

hellofromfw, anonymous:

any follow-up on this, tg? i sure am anxious to see what opens in that spot!

2 years, 3 months ago
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lovesfortwroth, anonymous:

Very sad to see Ovation gone...it was a great venue. Any news on what is replacing it?

2 years, 2 months ago
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reopeningovation, anonymous:

I would like to open it, but need a financial backer. We would have very good jazz/blues with the native beat, not this anybody's kind of music that is often played by the musically stuck up; but the kind of jazz you 'used' to hear long ago. Real jazz. As far as the variety music... I have a really sound music menu plan!!

My dining menu would be impeccable and with awesome taste! None of that stuff you can't pronounce, at a price you can't afford to pay. Forget how many stars rating I have. You enjoy yourself, and you don't pay too much.

I was born in the club business, and know how to m ake it pay for itself; I am also a singer/entertainer, promoter, former TV/radio media executive for over 30 years! I know how to stay open, with contacts, resources, and knowledge of the business. The music entertains, not just performs.

I met a couple of quite financially capable individuals when I entertained there. I will accept a backer/investor, not a partner generally unless he or she can convince me that the place is run my way! Geared for longevity and success. I don't need a chef, as my mother owned one of the first seafood restaurants in the Dallas area, and I can make that happen too.

I also have a marketing background and 40 years of business management/consulting experience.

If there is a backer out there who is honest, not tied into drugs, or anything illegal, good social background, etc. and you wish to talk with me about re-opening Ovation, write me an email at reopen.ovation@yahoo;com

9 months, 2 weeks ago
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