POTTSVILLE -- A well-known bar and restaurant in Pottsville with a well-known name has a new owner.
Maroons Sports Bar & Grill went up for auction Friday, but it seems like the history behind the place may be gone for good.
John Aiello from New Jersey had the winning bid at $116,000. He didn't want to talk on camera, but says he's owned and managed restaurants in the past. He said he doesn't know what he will do with the place on North Centre Street.
People in Pottsville say Aiello made a great purchase, especially since about a year ago this place was for sale listed at more than $500,000.
It was back in January when Maroons just closed without any notice.
It's still unclear what happened, but the owners at the time did file for bankruptcy, which is why the bar and restaurant went up for auction.
"Someone from New Jersey has smarts. That place is established!" said Marilyn Stefanski of Shenandoah.
If you were ever in Maroons, you'll remember that the place used to be filled with memorabilia. Now, all of that stuff is gone. That will be auctioned off at another time, but even with all that stuff missing, a real estate agent says this place went for a really good price.
"I thought it was going to go for a whole lot more, but $116,000 is really a steal in my opinion," said commercial real estate agent Joseph Leone.
Some people in Pottsville are concerned that a guy from New Jersey won't keep the Maroons tradition around the city
"That's history," said Justyn Fair. "That's been here for God knows how long and that's what we want to keep around here."
Others say they hope the place reopens as a new restaurant, something that's affordable.
"I hope it's going to be something that everyone can go to and enjoy at a cheap price. And stay there! Not come and go," said Renee Hart.
The sale won't be final for at least 30 days.
People in Pottsville say they'll keep an eye on the place to see what happens next.