Donna’s On Rampart—the old Donna’s Bar & Grill, which closed in August—has been leased by optometrist Dr. Eugene Oppman, who also owns the Carver Theater on Orleans Avenue. Oppman started his optometry career in the Carver Theater in 1987 and operated a clinic there until Hurricane Katrina hit.

Morris Kahn, a tax specialist who’s working with Dr. Oppman to revive Donna’s, says that the new owner has applied for all licenses including one for alcoholic beverages and the so-called “mayoralty permit,” which would allow live music at the club. Kahn says there are structural and plumbing issues which are being addressed currently.

“We’ve applied for the permits, and we’re waiting the required 45 days to see if they’ve been approved,” said Kahn.