A dramatic turn of events has unfolded in the story of Cheer Up Charlies, the beloved Austin queer bar. The sale of this iconic establishment to a Florida investment firm has been abruptly canceled, leaving many questions and a sense of uncertainty in its wake.
In a surprising development, the deal between Cheer Up Charlies and Pride Holdings Group has fallen through. Bar owner Maggie Lea confirmed to KUT News that both parties have decided to go their separate ways amicably. "Our membership interests are back, and we remain the proud owners of Cheer Up Charlies," Lea stated.
The announcement last month that Cheer Ups, a beloved safe haven for Austin's queer community, was being sold to an out-of-state corporate entity sent shockwaves through the local scene. This news came just days after the bar successfully raised $60,000 in donations to pay back rent, leaving some questioning the alignment of corporate ownership with the bar's identity.
But here's where it gets controversial... The proposed deal would have seen Lea and Hoover stay on as managers while Pride Holdings Group took control of the bar's finances. The company, which has acquired multiple struggling LGBTQ+ bars across the U.S. and Australia, seemed poised to bring a corporate approach to Cheer Up Charlies.
However, the deal's cancellation leaves many wondering about the future of this iconic bar. In an interview, Pride Holdings Group's CEO Michael Barrett had expressed confidence in the agreement, but specific terms remained undisclosed. He had plans to "cut costs and make [the bar] profitable," but also acknowledged the company's power to make significant changes, including budget cuts and management decisions.
Barrett, a former fast food franchisee, had retired in Key West before finding a new passion in acquiring struggling queer clubs. Since July, Pride Holdings Group has announced acquisitions in Chicago, Savannah, and even international locations like Australia and Bali. Their ambitious plans even included purchasing a castle in Italy to convert into an LGBTQ+ resort.
And this is the part most people miss... Barrett pitched the acquisitions as an investment opportunity for queer patrons, offering a chance to "own part of their own environment." He emphasized that it was about the power of the organization, not individual gain.
The decision to sell Cheer Ups sparked strong reactions from the Austin community. Brigitte Bandit, a renowned drag performer who has worked almost exclusively at Cheer Ups, voiced her opposition to corporate ownership. "Queer liberation is not found in capitalism," she asserted. "Queer spaces should not be like Taco Bell."
Bandit's concerns extended to the leadership of Lea and Hoover, and she had decided not to continue performing at Cheer Ups if the corporate sale went through. Now, with the deal off, she is reconsidering her position.
"I hope things can change and create an environment where I feel comfortable performing again," Bandit said, expressing her desire for Cheer Ups to find "financial stability and thoughtful leadership" as a locally owned business.
As the dust settles on this unexpected turn of events, the future of Cheer Up Charlies remains uncertain. The cancellation of the sale has left many questions unanswered, and the local queer community eagerly awaits updates on the bar's next chapter. Will Cheer Ups continue to thrive as a locally owned establishment, or will another acquisition attempt arise? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on this development? Do you think corporate ownership can ever align with the values of a queer safe space? Share your opinions in the comments below!
