Robert Ware, who came to Vicksburg four years ago and developed four businesses in one complex on Washington Street downtown, closed all the doors Tuesday.

The decision came two months after Ware insisted he would remain in Vicksburg and downplayed the significance of a lawsuit shuttering his businesses, saying, “We’re not going to the courthouse steps. We’re working with the bank. We have various legal options.”

On Tuesday, Ware was packing boxes of liquor at Shooters Bar when he said he was closing “permanently” and confirmed the properties are for sale.

Today, he said his plans for the future were indefinite and emphasized he is more of a developer than an operator, as he has been in the past. “It’s just the right time for me, and it’s not a particularly bad time for the community,” Ware said, in reference to other entertainment properties set to open downtown, including Duff’s Tavern and Grille in the former Borello’s location.

A total of 20 full- and part-time employees had worked at Ware’s complex and he said he would retain some and help others find jobs. Ware said the closure wasn’t related to business volume or revenue and that he planned to remain in Vicksburg.

In July, Britton & Koontz Bank filed a breach of contract suit against MR Development, Ware’s company, claiming the group had failed to make regular payments on roughly $2.8 million in bank loans from 2007 and 2008.

Jim Spencer Jr., a Jackson-based attorney representing Britton & Koontz in the suit, did not return a call today.

The 1400 block of Washington was one of five in a targeted urban renewal effort during the Laurence Leyens administration that saw gas lighting added, brick streets returned, landscaping improved and outdoor music piped in. Ware was a major and perhaps the largest investor in the area, which has also seen the reopening of The Valley building as corporate apartments.

In addition to Shooters, Ware’s properties are a 13-room luxury hotel, The Lounge at The Ware House and The Ware House Sports Bar & Grill.

On Tuesday, Shooters had been cleared of its bar, tables and chairs, and the other bars were shuttered. Ware said the items were stored, not sold and a buyer would obtain a “turnkey” operation.

The complex has been listed for sale for a year, with a reported asking price of about $4 million. Listing agent Marianne Jones said this morning the property has not been sold.

“It’s still for sale and we are working with some interested parties,” Jones said.

Ware, 37, is a native of Mobile, Ala., and has split his time between California and Vicksburg since purchasing his first downtown property in 2005. He also served on the Vicksburg Main Street board of directors, was a critic of how the annual Riverfest downtown festival was conducted and was a vocal supporter of Mayor Paul Winfield during his campaign.

In addition to the complex, MR Development LLC owns two downtown properties on Crawford Street.

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Contact Steve Sanoski at ssanoski@vicksburgpost.com