A Devastating Year of Closures Has Left Portland in the Midst of a Barmageddon | Eater Portland
"A foundational queer bar that will close at the end of 2024 after 23 years in business, the decision followed a fraught period: at the end of 2023 the venue announced it would close before narrowly avoiding that fate through an investment from a staff member intended to allow owner John “Woody” Clarke to retire, but dwindling sales made a future less possible. The venue also had a contentious moment in 2020 when police shut down an employee protest demanding payment for accrued sick days and guaranteed rehires after reopening; after a complaint was filed with the National Labor Relations Board, Clarke settled with the employees. In announcing the 2024 closure, a representative wrote, “The decision to close is ultimately motivated by Woody’s retirement from the bar industry in combination with a rough economic climate,” and added, “It is the end of an era and sad to lose another queer bar in a time going forward when we all need community the most.”" - Rebecca Roland
