Wisconsin's longest-running LGBTQ+ bar closes doors permanently, cites COVID & other factors as reasons
This Is It! posted on its Facebook page that on the eve of its 57th anniversary, it has closed its doors permanently. The post mentioned the COVID crisis and an eight-month closure of a street and sidewalk.
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The business thanked staff, performers and friends over the years. It was mentioned that the business did everything it could to keep the doors open.
The post also mentioned the founders of the bar.
Below is the full post:
This summer would have been the 57th anniversary of This is It!. Unfortunately, that celebration will not come to pass. As of today, we have closed our doors permanently. The COVID crisis and the years following 2020, coupled with the 8 month closure of our street and sidewalk last year, put the business in a position that we could not ultimately overcome.
We would like to thank all the staff, performers, and friends who made the magic of This is It! happen over the years. We also thank everyone in the community for the many years of loyal patronage. This is It! has been so much more than a nightlife spot for the queer community. It has been a gathering place, a safe place, a second home, and the memories made at the bar will stay in our hearts forever. We want you to know that we did everything we could to keep our doors open for you.
One last time, we honor our founders June and Joseph Brehm. While they are no longer with us, they would have been fighting the last few years along side us. Their memory and legacy lives on in our hearts too.
It's with much sadness, but with so much love, we bid all of you farewell. Take care of each other, and please continue to support local and queer-owned businesses.
This Is It! on Facebook
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No additional information was provided.
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