Expenses, vandalism doomed popular Portland LGTBQ+ bar Crush, owner says

A cornerstone Portland bar is shutting its doors forever in the coming weeks after over 20 years of business

The owner of Crush Bar, a once highly-rated LGBTQ+ bar on Southeast Morrison Street and 14th Avenue, said the business has been hammered with expenses and vandalism.

Throughout the more than 20 years of its existence, Crush was voted best LGBTQ+ bar across six years by Willamette Week and the Portland Mercury and best bar in Portland in 2017 and 2019.

Today, windows are broken and there is a seriously damaged door frame – all done by vandals, according to the owner, who said it is too expensive to keep operating the place.

Beyond the vandalism, it has overall become too expensive to operate – especially when people are spending less.

The Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association told KATU business owners are tired after COVID, and many are struggling to keep the doors open and staff employed.

“Then the increasing cost with inflation, the rising cost of things like eggs or anything else that they may be bringing in the door. It’s just very very difficult, and there’s only so much you can charge before customers stop showing up at your door,” said Greg Astley with ORLA.

FULL STORY: https://tinyurl.com/mb9hzfbf

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Author: KATU News
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News post in at: December 6, 2024, 3:02 am.

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