Chaplins, Roswell’s longtime karaoke bar, has new owners

A nearly 35-year-old karaoke bar and restaurant in Roswell has new owners.

Jobe Gruber, Michael Kramer and Does Giddens have bought Chaplinslocated at 555 Atlanta Street South.right next to historic Roswell Square.

Gruber said in a phone call that the team was looking to buy a dive bar and learned the owners of Chaplins were retiring.

“It seemed like a good opportunity,” he said. “It’s fully staffed with veteran bartenders and an integrated group of regulars.”

He added that the team sees Roswell as a dynamic market. “We love Roswell. There is a lot of potential. We are located right next to the square, where there is a lot of activity.

Gruber was previously the founder of The Fry Guy food truck. He was also a founding partner of The Fur Bus, a group entertainment transportation provider.

Kramer and Giddens once operated Kramer’s Buckhead Restaurant. They also operate Southern Social in Statesboro, Georgia.

The team only becomes Chaplins’ second owner. It was created by David Kamran and Joseph Radfard in 1988, according to the restaurant’s website. Chaplins was named after silent film star Charlie Chaplin because in the early days of the restaurant silent films were shown as entertainment.

“They ran this place from day one and did an amazing job,” Gruber said of the previous owners. “They are proud of what they have built and we are honored to take it back for them.”

The website also states that Chaplins operates Georgia’s longest-running karaoke show.

This legacy of karaoke will continue, Gruber said. He added that the team was working to clean up the restaurant. They are also looking to elevate the menu and improve the outdoor patio.

“We are honored to take over from the two owners who had it for 35 years and build on what they had then,” he said.

The Chaplins sale was completed about two weeks ago. Gary Woodwarda senior vice-president with JLLrepresented the new owner team in the operation. Steve Josovitza senior vice-president with The Shumacher Grouprepresented the previous owners.