The iconic Cheer Up Charlies, a beloved queer bar in Austin, was almost sold to an investment firm, but the deal has taken an unexpected turn! In a surprising development, the sale has been canceled, leaving the bar's future in question.
The Plot Twist:
On November 4, 2025, it was announced that the acquisition of Cheer Up Charlies by Pride Holdings Group, a Florida-based firm, was off the table. Bar owner Maggie Lea confirmed that both parties had mutually agreed to terminate the deal, ensuring that Lea and co-owner Tamara Hoover retain ownership. But the story doesn't end there.
A Community in Shock:
The initial sale news sent shockwaves through the local queer community. Just weeks after the bar rallied to raise $60,000 in donations to cover back rent, the prospect of corporate ownership by an out-of-state entity sparked controversy. Many felt that the bar's identity as a safe haven for Austin's LGBTQ+ community was at odds with corporate control.
The Deal's Details:
The agreement would have seen Lea and Hoover remain as managers while Pride Holdings Group took the reins of the bar's finances. This investment group has been on a buying spree, acquiring multiple LGBTQ+ bars facing financial struggles in the U.S. and abroad. But what caused the deal to fall through remains a mystery.
Controversial Comments:
Pride Holdings Group's CEO, Michael Barrett, had previously stated that the deal was finalized, but he remained tight-lipped about the specifics. He hinted at cost-cutting measures and management changes, raising concerns about the bar's future. Barrett, a former fast-food franchisee turned queer club investor, has been on a mission to acquire struggling LGBTQ+ establishments worldwide, including a castle in Italy for an LGBTQ+ resort.
A Divided Community:
The sale sparked a heated debate. Longtime drag performer Brigitte Bandit, who has deep roots at Cheer Ups, voiced her opposition to corporate ownership, questioning whether queer liberation can coexist with capitalism. She also expressed doubts about Lea and Hoover's leadership, considering a hiatus from performing at the bar if the sale went ahead. Now, with the deal canceled, her future at Cheer Ups remains uncertain.
As the dust settles, the question lingers: What's next for Cheer Up Charlies? Will the bar find financial stability and the right leadership to thrive as a locally owned business? The community awaits further developments, and the comments section is buzzing with opinions. Share your thoughts on this unexpected turn of events and the future of this beloved queer space.
