"These things will be necessary for the theater to thrive," the nonprofit said in the statement.

Joe Goodman, the bar’s owner since 2009, declined to comment.

Old Dundee bartender Eric Franz told The World-Herald he had been informed that the bar’s lease would not be renewed when it expires in January 2017.

"We didn’t see this coming at all," said Franz, who has been a bartender at Old Dundee for more than five years. "I was honestly excited about the theater reopening. It was always kind of a symbiotic relationship between (the theater and the bar)."

Franz said he and other staff were notified of the news by Goodman via text message Tuesday afternoon. Franz said about 20 people work at the bar.

The Sherwood Foundation could not be reached for comment Wednesday. A few of Sherwood’s other new tenants said they have not been told any news regarding their leases.

Jeanette Laitner, owner of Duggers Cafe, said she has heard "rumors flying around" but nothing concrete. She hopes to speak soon with her new landlords.

Carrie Rollins, owner of Matt Wayne Salon, said that if her business is moving, it’s news to her.