The owners of Cheer Up Charlies experienced a temporary lockout from their bar on Wednesday due to a late rent payment. Located on Red River Street, the establishment found itself in this predicament after failing to pay over $15,000 in back rent that had come due the previous day.
A notice from DTLand, the commercial real estate firm managing the property, highlighted the outstanding amount owed. Maggie Lea, one of the bar’s owners, clarified that while they had made a partial payment the week before, the second installment was submitted late. Initially, she characterized the lockout as an oversight by their landlord, but later acknowledged the delay in fulfilling the rent obligation.
This incident adds a layer of complexity to the bar’s operations during the upcoming SXSW festival, where Cheer Up Charlies is slated to host various unofficial showcases, drag performances, and DJ sets. Lea expressed concern over the impact of the lockout on their clientele, noting, “Now I have to go out and talk to everyone because all my clients think we’re closing.” She reassured patrons that the bar would resume normal operations at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
Cheer Up Charlies has faced financial instability in recent months, oscillating between solvency and insolvency. Last August, the owners turned to crowdfunding to keep the popular LGBTQ+-friendly venue afloat. Shortly thereafter, discussions about a potential sale to a Florida corporation sparked significant backlash from the community.
Just last week, Lea and co-owner Tamara Hoover addressed a town hall meeting, expressing their commitment to moving forward and implementing measures to ensure the bar’s financial health. They stated they had “learned” from past challenges and were determined to keep the venue operational.
In a correction to previous statements, Lea initially indicated to media that the rent had been paid on time. However, she later clarified that this information was incorrect, confirming that the bar was indeed in default on its rent obligations.
