Started in 2007 as Chaplin’s: The Music Cafe, The Gem Spring City Speakeasy has been the go-to venue for the most entertaining live music events in the area for the last 17 years.

New owners Andy and Katie Meacham are determined to not only continue this, but also enrich the local arts scene.

“We want The Gem to be a local hub where musicians and artists can share their passions with each other and for the community to come together as one,” Andy said. “And if by doing this we can help foster progress in our community as well as create a much-needed music scene in the ‘burbs, then that’s even better. Our goal is to put in place regional and national actions that will help advance the music scene, but local people will also It will be at the center of this.”

The Meachams live within walking distance Gem66 N. Main St., Spring City, so they’re not just the owners of a business, they’re part of the community as a whole.

“We have been Spring City residents for 12 years and can see that this town is on the verge of growth and revitalization,” Katie said. “The building itself has such a rich history and we want to celebrate that and let people see that Spring City is not a place to just pass by. We just want to grow The Gem’s loyal following and truly be a hub for artists and musicians in this incredible community. “Our hope is to grow along with the revitalization of our town, and the arts and music scene is a great place to start.”

Originally established as the Gem Theater in 1908, the building was once used as a silent movie theater and vaudeville hall in the early 1920s. It later became a meeting room for local union workers.

The main street where Harley-Davidson motorcycles were sold and repaired in the 1950s was called The Hog Shop. It was empty until the 1990s, when it became a photography studio. In 2007, Chaplin’s: The Music Cafe opened, offering musical acts, events and recordings.

In 2022, Chaplin evolved into the brand known today as The Gem.

As part of their commitment to keeping local music alive, the new owners will continue the tradition of weekly open mic nights and live performances every weekend.

The bar will feature Sly Fox beer and Pennsylvania spirits as the cafe continues to roll out and expand its existing menu. The owners also plan to increase the venue’s appeal by expanding its calendar to be open more nights throughout the week, including live performances and special events.

To celebrate the new ownership, The Gem will host a grand reopening on November 30th featuring local bands including UNCLE, Earth Song Teacher Band, The Sermon!, Mojo Risin’ and Jason Fraticelli & Friends.

The event, which will start at 15:00, is free and offers the community the opportunity to experience the excitement and energy that The Gem brings to the region.