Exit/In closed in November, ending a 51-year era of live music — of all genres — in Nashville, but the final chapter might not have been written on the historic venue. After AJ Capital purchased the property, they seem to be inching closer towards reopening, recently hiring Dan Merker as their head talent buyer, Merker previously worked for Outback Presents, HUKA Entertainment and Tortuga Music Festival.

“We are honored to carry on the legacy of this iconic venue and raise the bar for both the fan and artist experience,” Merker said in a statement provided to Billboard (via the Nashville Scene). “We look forward to announcing 2023 shows soon and as the calendar will reflect, restoring Exit/In as a welcoming place for artists that span all genres and everyone within our community.”

Chris and Telisha Cobb, the former Exit/In owners, previously launched a GoFundMe to try and raise enough money to purchase the building from the new owners, who sold the venue to AJ Capital.

“Over 4000 people donated to the Keep Exit/In Independent GoFundMe,” the Cobbs said when announcing the closure. “Revisiting the number of donations and outcry of support gives us hope for the future, and has allowed us to continue fighting. As stated from the beginnings, the funds raised will be donated to MVAN [Music Venue Alliance of Nashville] and NIVA [Naitonal Independent Venue Association] once this process has finalized.

“We love this city wholeheartedly, but are not ok with many current trends here,” they conclude. “We know Nashville needs Exit/In and independent venues like it to continue supporting our community of artists, musicians and the entire ecosystem they center. Thank you again most humbly and sincerely for all your support, for all the shows, and for all the memories.”

Per the Nashville Scene, the Cobbs successfully trademarked the name “Exit/In,” which attorneys for AJ Capital opposed. Chris Cobb recently spoke out about his disappointment in AJ Capital and their track record of buying local music venues.

“Through thoughtful, intentional programming, and a commitment to the communities they exist to serve, small independent stages create and incubate music, art, and those who make it,” Cobb said in a statement shared on social media. “These creatives are the foundation of the music industry, launch from these stages to be superstars and soundtrack our lives, and ultimately shape our culture. It’s concerning to see this mom and pop-esque, 51 year old, local microbusiness overtaken by a global real estate developer that began acquiring venues at their most vulnerable, at the height of covid disruption, has no proven track record in the field, and has exited the long-term team that thousands of times over proved its commitment to community, music, and art.

“AJCP should publicly commit to hosting diverse local bands and artists, community events, and non-profit fundraisers, equitably, as the venue has done over the past 18 years,” he added. “This is the commitment Nashville’s communities and creatives deserve and how venues should serve.”

More information on the opening of Exi/In under new ownership, including a projected date or any other details, have yet to be announced.