A unique Ames business that opened nine years ago may come to a close at the end of the summer.

When the owner of the Boheme Bistro, 2900 West St., announced he would be leaving at the end of the summer, customers were stunned.

The Boheme is owned by Peter Sherman, who is also an associate professor of aerospace engineering and statistics.

Sherman took a trip to Europe this summer and is considering taking research or teaching jobs overseas this fall.

“The ball is in my court to explore research opportunities,” he said. “If it comes down to go to Paris for six months, I’m going. If I have to close the Boheme, then I will.”

Sherman is still unsure what the future holds for the Boheme, and is working with a few different groups interested in ownership.

Sherman said he is looking for owners with intent to keep the overall philosophy of the Boheme consistent.

He is asking $50,000 for the business, but said he is not selling the building because he doesn’t own the actual structure.

“At this point in my life, I have to let go,” Sherman said. “I have to let go of Boheme as an entity.”

Nitin Gadia, Ames resident and former ISU student is concerned about keeping the Boheme open.

“There are a lot of people who are interested in trying to save the Boheme and continuing the venue the way it is,” Gadia said.

Gadia grew up in Ames and has been going to the Boheme since high school.

“The Boheme is a wonderful place to hang out – it is really chilled out,” Gadia said.

He said if the Boheme closed, a lot of people would be upset.

“It would be a huge loss for the community,” he said. “People come from all over town to go to the Boheme. There are a lot of people who really, really love the Boheme.”

The Boheme is modeled after a European bistro, where people don’t just get drunk, Sherman said.

“The only difference between places in France and the Boheme is that people don’t dance in France,” he said.

“The Boheme is not just a place, it is an opportunity for people to experience each other.”

According to the Boheme’s philosophy on its Web site, one of the primary mediums the Boheme uses to spark communication is music.

Sherman said he gets a unique and wide selection of music from the customers and his personal travels.

“I could search for years and not find this stuff,” Sherman said.