It has been said that friends should not open businesses together because inevitably it strains the relationship. Sadly, such is the case with Evan Barnes and Bill Hall, owners of Evan's Lounge, 2988 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., who've been friends since college but recently decided to go their separate ways.

"I'm simply leaving," says Barnes. "And I'm assuming the name is going with me."

Despite rumors of its closing, the bar will remain open. Although Hall was not available for comment, Barnes says business has been great and he has no reason to believe Hall will close the lounge.

Evan's opened last summer to rave reviews by its customers and appealed to a mixed generation clientele, but according to Barnes, the two men have very different ideas when it comes to running a business and different expectations of each other's roles.

"Since day one we haven't gotten along," says Barnes. "There is no reason to take the relationship any further ... It's just like a divorce."

Barnes was reluctant to discuss rumors about a physical fight between he and Hall in the bar this weekend. "I wish I could say it didn't happen," he says.

Barnes says his last day at Evan's is May 5 and then he plans to pick up a bartending job until he can open another Bay View bar. He and two friends have already begun to scout locations, but for now, he's taking some time to process and heal.

"I need to get on my motorcycle and ride for a few weeks," he says.