Cowtippers closing moved back following ‘outpouring of support’
the lack of respect. We all knew the racism was there and alive and well, but at that moment we had just had enough and came to the conclusion that we are more powerful united than alone.”
In that spirit, the entertainers formed a group called Queens United to fight for better pay and working conditions for drag performers in Atlanta.
Meanwhile, LGBTQ activist group ATL Activate hosted a public meeting on Jan. 27 to address the controversy and work on solutions. The event drew about 150 people, many of whom voiced their concern that the issue would blow over in time. The participants were split into separate working groups to discuss Queens United and supporting Atlanta’s drag performers; starting an LGBTQ-owned cooperative event space; and what type of direct response to Burkhart’s is needed, e.g. a protest, sit-in, etc.
Hunnewell announced on Jan. 26 that the bar had been sold, but that deal fell through the following day. TEN Atlanta owner James Nelson said on social media on Jan. 28 that Marsh declined an offer he made to purchase the bar. And the AJC reported on Jan. 29 that Richard Cherskov, former owner of the popular dance club Jungle, is interested in buying the bar.
Burkhart’s co-owner Mary Marsh, wife of Palmer Marsh, told WSB on Jan. 28 that the couple is not racist.
“I am not racist. My son-in-law is black and I love him with all my heart. I have been very good to this community. It’s always been a fun place,” she told the media outlet.
Popular LGBTQ Atlanta favorite restaurant Cowtippers will stay open another several weeks past the original closing date.
The Midtown restaurant’s final day was scheduled for Jan. 28, but Metrotainment — the restaurant’s owners — released a statement Jan. 29 saying that had been pushed back.
“Based on the outpouring of support from the community, we have decided to remain open at least another two weeks, during which time we will assess what will happen regarding the restaurant,” the statement said. “We hope you can continue to patronage Cowtippers during this time, and we look forward to seeing you soon.”
The original statement from Jan. 10 from Metrotainment CEO Jeff Landau was as follows:
“Metrotainment Cafes can confirm that Cowtippers will unfortunately be closing at the end of this month. The restaurant has been a part of our restaurant group for a very long time, and we’re proud of the more than 20 years we have been in business, but with the changing climate of the city, we are going to close the restaurant and turn our attention to our other successful concepts including Hudson Grille, Einstein’s, Joe’s on Juniper, Hudson FC and Guaco Joe’s.”
The owners of the restaurant near the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive also wanted to make clear that there are no plans (at this time at least) for the space to be turned into apartment complexes.