One of San Francisco's most historic gay bars has poured its last drink, becoming the latest casualty of a punishing economic climate squeezing the hospitality sector. Ginger's, a 47-year-old fixture and celebrated drag venue, officially ceased trading on October 31, entering an 'indefinite hiatus'.
The End of an Era in the Financial District
The modern incarnation of Ginger's, which opened in 2017 as a revival of a beloved 1970s establishment, had been fighting a losing battle for survival. Owner Brian Sheehy confirmed the venue had been operating at a loss for the past year. The bar, situated in the city's financial district, had a business model that relied heavily on pre-commuter happy hour trade. As remote work became entrenched, the steady stream of white-collar workers vanished, collapsing its core revenue source.
'The traffic to Ginger's has not been consistently strong,' Sheehy told SF Gate. He elaborated that without sufficient customer support, staff could not earn enough tips, and the bar simply could not turn a profit.
A Struggle for Survival and a Final Blow
In an attempt to adapt, Ginger's tried to lure remaining downtown workers with drag events and happy hour specials. The strategy showed some promise, and Sheehy noted the bar was slowly inching toward profitability. However, this fragile momentum was shattered when the establishment's general manager left their post.
The owner was unable to find a suitable replacement, a vacancy that ultimately sped up the decision to close. 'If a miracle happens, and somebody comes out of the woodwork, we will reopen again,' Sheehy said of the unsuccessful search. For now, the space will be repurposed as a venue for private events.
Part of a Wider National Trend
The closure of Ginger's is not an isolated incident. Bars and breweries across the United States are rapidly shuttering as consumers tighten their belts to combat inflation. Americans are increasingly opting for cheaper, lighter alcoholic options, with Michelob Ultra now leading as the nation's best-selling beer.
This shift has triggered a wave of bankruptcies and closures among alcohol providers. Recent casualties include Brüeprint Brewing Company in North Carolina, Luca Mariano Distillery in Kentucky, and the 134-year-old Meier's Winery in Ohio. Even industry giants like Wild Turkey and Jack Daniel's have reported significant sales declines, signalling a profound and widespread downturn for the sector.
