A new sign of old times has found its way back to Euclid Avenue, thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign launched by Chevy Chase Inn owners Kevin Heathcoat, Will Pieratt and Bill Farmer, Jr. The updated version of the historic neon “Chevy Chase Inn” sign that adorned the establishment during the 1950s is the latest improvement in the ownership team’s mission to restore and revive the city’s oldest bar in a way that respects its long history.
Heathcoat and Pieratt, who also own nearby restaurant Bourbon ‘n Toulouse, teamed up with jewelry store owner and councilman Farmer to purchase the CCI in October of 2014. The trio wanted to update the city's oldest bar while making an effort to not infringe on its original charm. The inn, now complete with clean bathrooms, a selection of craft beers and a sign that captures its history and atmosphere, aims to keep regulars happy while also attracting new visitors.
The sign itself, installed by Ruggles Sign Company, is similar to the 1950s original bright red with neon lettering that reads “Chevy Chase Inn est. 1933. Air-Conditioned - Bar - Music”. Located at 833 Euclid Ave, the sign can be viewed both night and day, glowing in its glory when the sun sets.
A one-month Kickstarter campaign to fund the sign raised $15,000 in community donations in June. Nearly half of that goal was reached in the campaign’s first week, and a total of $15,433 was donated from 131 individual backers, according to Kickstarter.
The business owners expressed their gratitude in a post on the Kickstarter page that said: “Lexington, you are amazing! We're so very humbled by the positive feedback we have received about our desire to recreate the iconic Chevy Chase Inn neon sign.”