Do not let the fleeting connotation of the name fool you – Flicker Theatre and Bar is here to stay.

After closing unexpectedly this summer, the treasured downtown gathering spot reopened under new management August 3.

While skeptical regulars awaited the unveiling, new owners Clint McElroy and Jeremy Long focused on minor aesthetic improvements while keeping the original atmosphere intact. “As long as we keep doing what it was doing, and as long as we don’t go in and turn it into a Chili’s, I think we’ll be fine,” said Long. “We’re improving. We don’t want to tamper it in any way.”

Before the pair decided to pursue Flicker management, Vision Video on Broad Street was McElroy and Long’s professional home. They will continue to handle both businesses. This cinematic background will affect events at Flicker only slightly, with more movie screenings offered than in years past, with the majority of them “concentrating on old stuff,” said Long, noting this as a distinction between Flicker and other local theaters.

The venue will continue to book acoustic solo acts for their intimate stage surrounded by brightly colored, art-adorned walls. In addition to music and film, almost any form of entertainment is welcome. According to the Web site, Flicker is willing to accommodate shows ranging from poetry to puppet shows to stand-up comedy.

Oh, and have no fear – the beloved popcorn machine is now located in the back to the left of the bar and will continue to delight hungry moviegoers.

As always, arrive early for a good seat to your favorite events.