The dive bar has been around since 1967 and, so far, there's no sign that it's going away. Lion's Lair signed a ten-year lease in 2023, around the same time that club owner Tony Meggit added partners Demi Merritt and Michael Thorne. And right now, Meggit has other concerns: The construction designed to transform Colfax is cutting into business.
"We're terrified about what's going to happen," he told us a few months ago. "We're seeing many businesses take quite the hit from this project. Many aren’t going to make it. We cannot land on that list of closures."
In their comments on the Westword Facebook post about the property sale, readers worry about what could happen if the owner does decide to develop the property. Says Norah:
I live on Colfax and this is sad. We love our local bars.Replies Randal:
I see this as a growing trend up and down Colfax. Eventually, the whole block will be mowed over and turned into high-end condos. Low-middle income people are not wanted in the city. Get out as fast as you can!Responds Gordon:
This was likely the plan… start a two-year-long construction project and drive out the small businesses so big money can come in and buy land for pennies on the dollar.Offers Lazer:
Cool, put in a two-story flagship Lululemon street level with floors of overpriced apartments on top, and no parking.Suggests Lou:
Damn, new apartments with a bowling alley, here we come.Replies Ari:
Or video game golf with a Nashville hot chicken spot.Adds Oliver:
I’m sure a few pickleball courts.Concludes Ray:
Shame on Westword for using such a worthless, meaningless word like "iconic." It means so much now it means nothing. It's the new "random."When were you last at Lion's Lair? Would you call it "iconic"? What do you think of the changes on Colfax? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].
