Lush, Known for Drag Nights and Bottomless Mimosa Brunches, Closed Abruptly Pride Weekend - Eater Twin Cities
"Lush, the northeast Minneapolis bar and restaurant, popular for cabaret and drag nights as well as epic brunches with bottomless beverages, has closed. It first opened in 2008 as Lush Food Bar. It won City Pages distinction as Best Gay Bar in 2016, becoming a queer arts center, with burlesque, drag, live music, and a piano bar, open to all age groups and demographics. As recently as June 15, Lush had been planning to reopen after closing due to the coronavirus pandemic, with expanded patio seating and extensive sanitary measures for a planned mid-July re-opening. Instead, on June 26, an announcement on Facebook stated Lush would re-open in the future with a redesigned concept, new leadership structure, reimagined entertainment, and commitment to diversity and equity. The announcement took staff by surprise, leading to anger. On June 28, a post explained two of three owners resigned, with the third owner, Ken Darling, apologizing for the communication lapse and expressing a desire to turn over ownership to non-cis, white male leaders." - Joy Summers
