Frequently Asked Questions

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A lot. We closed down for about 6 months due to a legal dispute, which is public record. This depleted us financially (and, frankly, emotionally) as we couldn’t convert our construction loan due to the General Contractor’s excessive lien. 

And then we had a miracle. Several, actually. We had favorable court rulings, which paved the way for us to reopen. Construction issues and what we consider to be massive overcharges are being addressed in the lawsuit with the contractor.

We attracted an enthusiastic, major investor, a silent partner with a hospitality background. 

We were also able to renegotiate with our lender who gave us what we needed.  We are refinancing with a traditional loan and we have operating funds.

Nope. It’s going to be better. Because of the financial drain caused by the dispute with our contractor, we weren’t able to build out the bar and hotel like we originally wanted. Now we can add more of those finishing touches. 

Also, we had the advantage of hearing the community’s feedback over the last year and learning what will work best with our space and neighborhood, so we are refining our approach.

Lots. First, we’re adjusting the name to Bent Inn & Lounge Bar to align better with our original vision. Also, 

• We will still offer a gathering place with high-quality food but now with unique entertainment and with more of a lounge feel (lots of comfy and more intimate seating configurations).
• Our menu will better accommodate our unique kitchen configuration and service will be expediated. Food will be shareables and small plates (yes, we’re keeping the flatbread and at least one burger). 
• You’ll soon find cabanas and more greenery in the pool area. 
• Community art will be added as part of a longer-term process.
• We also realized that we can’t be all things to all people, so we will focus on--and celebrate-- those things that best represent the hotel and gathering space.
• Of course there will be more surprises, but they wouldn’t be surprises if we told you…

Some staff: Shane and Timmy are coming back! (The rest of our team either found other jobs or were offered positions by other, very supportive LGBTQ bars and clubs in town.) 

The hotel itself will be much the same with its pulp fiction art, quirky touches, and super comfy beds. Again, some surprises are coming, but we’re keeping them secret for now.

But most importantly, the same ethos will apply: Everyone needs a place where they are free to be themselves. And that’s Bent Inn & Lounge Bar. We remain committed to setting the travel standard for what we call the Bent Community (the not-so-straight, nerdy cool, khakis-by-day-leather-by-night, pink hair, crew cut, black nail polish, no nail polish, nose ring, hairy, smooth, fem, masc, butch, he, she, they, them, Jack and Coke, dirty martini, daiquiri, top, bottom, vers, side, switch). 

We are committed to keeping Bent Inn & Lounge Bar a welcoming place for those of us who make life interesting.

Absolutely. We will honor all previously promised discounts, Bent Coins, and earned guests benefits. 

A. Oooh…the BIG question. SOON. We don’t have an exact date yet. We are working hard to make sure you are welcomed back to best Bent possible. Our goal is early April. Actually, our goal is sooner than that, but we would rather under-promise and over-deliver! Watch our social for updates.

Yes, please check out our careers page. 

It’s been intense. We’ve always cultivated and valued community, but we learned its importance in a much deeper way over the past two years. We had guests and customers who even offered to fund-raise for us. That’s a humbling experience and we are so appreciative.

We are emboldened by our journey as a small, marginalized business taking on a well-funded adversary, breaking through every roadblock they put in our path. Just a few months ago, the future seemed bleak, yet here we are, overcoming the odds and pushing forward. Our resilience, fueled by the support of our chosen family and encouragement from past guests, drives us to reopen more strongly than ever!

Personally, we took advantage of the opportunity to reflect, and we’ve learned so much about ourselves and the people who surround us.  We’re moving forward. There is a lot of work to be done and, thankfully, big-hearted, talented people to help us. 

Book a room or stop by for a drink. We have missed you!