Flaming Saddles has permanently closed its West Hollywood doors after five years in business, Owners Jacqui Squatriglia and Chris Barnes announced via social media Sunday, citing the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic as the deciding factor for pulling the plug on the country and western-themed gay bar.
“…With the heaviest of hearts, we are sad to say that Flaming Saddles WeHo will not be reopening at 8811 Santa Monica Blvd.,” Squatriglia and Barnes wrote in the announcement. “COVID-19 has [wreaked] havoc globally and with a better national strategy here in the U.S. perhaps things would of been different. With the rules as they stand today there is no way we could of fulfilled our fiscal obligations that were presented to us at this location.”
As with all of the city’s nightspots, Flaming Saddles was forced to close down in March to slow the spread of COVID-19 and never reopened.
“We however stand proud,” according to the post. “We did our best and rose up… spun on poles, swung on ropes, poured great drinks and danced our way to the top. No one did it better…We are proud of all of you, the best managers, bartenders, servers, barracks, security, DJs, dancers, and drag queens…We thank you.”
Squatriglia and Barnes opened the first Flaming Saddles in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen in 2011.The venue still remains.
