ABOVE: Photo via Punky’s Bar and Grill.
ST. PETERSBURG | Punky’s Bar and Grill announced its immediate and permanent closure Aug. 3 after serving Tampa Bay’s LGBTQ community for more than six years.
The popular restaurant and bar opened Dec. 15, 2015, led by former co-owners Brian Longstreth, John Burt and Lynn Deibert. It operated in the popular Grand Central District, where it served as a home for food, fundraisers and more.
Most recently the establishment was run by Burt and Deibert, who continued to champion LGBTQ causes. Punky’s was frequently recognized by readers in the annual Watermark Awards for Variety and Excellence, placing in the top three this year for favorite local fundraising event, favorite local restaurant and more.
“Two thousand four hundred twenty-three days. We have accomplished a lot in this time,” Punky’s shared via social media Aug. 3. “We have made friends, loyal customers, gained an amazing team of employees who have become family.
“We worked hard, laughed a lot, and made a difference every chance we had,” they continued. “We have become a place of safety for the LGBTQ+ community, a melting pot for people from ALL walks of life… and their pets! We have celebrated victories, survived struggles, mourned losses and came together to help each other and the community.”
More than $150,000 was raised through various fundraisers during the establishment’s time in St. Petersburg, they also noted. That includes through Drag Queen Bingo led by fan favorite performer Georgia Moore, which raised money and awareness for local nonprofits.
“These organizations we’re working with are not just making this community a better place, they’re making the world a better place,” Moore told Watermark in March. “Helping them along is exactly what we’re here to do.”
In their announcement, Burt and Deibert noted that “Punky’s has been such a joy for so many people, but she is ready to retire… gracefully. Punky’s has closed our doors as of this morning, Wednesday, August 3rd, 2022.”
The duo subsequently thanked patrons as well as employees both past and present for their years of support, calling their customers “the BEST OF THE BEST.”
“It has truly been an amazing journey,” they wrote. “We are honored that you chose to support Punky’s and we will cherish our friendships and all of the memories that we made together.”
According to the post, employees were provided with “solid leads for new work.” The restaurant’s current inventory of food will also be distributed to the staff, with additional items “donated to charitable organizations who will be able to distribute it to folks in need.”
Moore’s Drag Bingo will also continue at a new venue, Punky’s teased, noting that the hostess will smash fundraising goals elsewhere.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you all! We will miss you,” Punky’s concluded. View their full post below while it is available:
For more information about Punky’s Bar and Grill, visit PunkysBar.com until the website is removed.
