The image above is making the rounds on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #SaveAdobe attached. A sample comment from Staten Islander Vin Forte: "So sad. Easily the best bar on SI. At the very least the best selection of beers. Also one of the few non bro bars around."

UPDATE: The next morning it was announced that the deal fell through. Adobe Blues will remain open -- and is still up for sale.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Within minutes of social media buzz about the rumored closure of Adobe Blue a #SaveAdobe campaign was launched:

"I am going to Adobe Blues today to say goodbye. Goodbye to a wonderful neighborhood gem," Terry Lee Chandler posted on Facebook.

"NOOOOO NOT ADOBE!!!! Tears. Just tears," Danielle Hernandez chimed in.

It is true: The popular New Brighton bar and restaurant will close Sunday night.

If an engineer's inspection goes well Wednesday afternoon, chef-restaurateur Julian Gaxholli, of Beso, Blue and Bayou, will be the new proprietor.

Owner Jim Stayoch -- coming off "an emotional staff meeting" late Wednesday morning -- confirmed the news and wasn't concerned about the inspection results.

"Julian's intention is to close while he's applying for licenses," said Stayoch. "The indication is that it would be Southwestern and hopefully is 'Adobe Blues' -- he has bought the name for New York and New Jersey."

Stayoch said Gaxholli is being "vague on how long it will close. That's what's worrying the staff now."

So far, however, online rumors of bar staff being laid off are unconfirmed. Gaxholli, who launched his culinary career as a 16-year-old busboy at Adobe, was not available for comment by deadline.

The restaurant at 63 Lafayette Ave. has been on the market for more than a decade with an original asking price of $3.5 million.

"Its been a long, long run here, and this came along at what I consider a fair offer," said Stayoch, adding, "It's successful and an institution."

Stayoch is the sole proprietor of the restaurant which opened in mid-1992. Originally, he partnered with Ken Tirado, now owner of Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn, Charleston.

The pair used their experience in the local theater community crafting award-winning sets to launch the Old West saloon. In fact, they went to New Mexico together to research artifacts and authentic details to include in the ultimate design.

When Adobe first opened, it showcased 45 brands of beer. The restaurant's Pueblo-themed, single dining area opened about a year later offering Southwestern fare.

Fast-forward 22 years: The bar is stocked with 30 tequilas and 12 margaritas; as well as 185 beers from 30 countries in 37 styles, plus seasonal offerings and live music.

Note: Adobe won five 2014 Staten Island Readers' Choice Awards:

*Staten Island's Best Beer Selection.

*Staten Island's Best Mexican Restaurant.

For the record, Gaxholli's track record is pretty, good, too. He won the 2014 Readers' Choice Award for Staten Island's Best Chef.

HAVE YOUR SAY: What do you think about changes to come at Adobe Blues? Sound off in the comments below.

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