Lonzie Hershner, whose family owns the Drama Room on Cedar Springs Road, tells Instant Tea that the “For Lease” sign that recently appeared in the window of the gay bar, above, isn’t an indication it’s closing.
Hershner said his family, which also owns the Tin Room on Hudnall Street, is in the process of renegotiating its lease for the Drama Room, and the property owner put up the sign as the two sides continue to haggle. Hershner said the lease expired in January and has been extended month to month since then, but the property owner had wanted it to be renegotiated within six months. The owner of the property — identified as Penelope Hatteras in Dallas County Appraisal District records — didn’t immediately return a phone call seeking comment.
“We have no plans on giving up the Drama Room,” Hershner said. “We’re just holding out as long as possible.”
Mickey Briggs, the owner of the bar that previously occupied the Drama Room site, Mickey’s, blamed a rent increase when he closed the bar in 2009.
Hershner’s family also owns the Tin Room and plans to reopen the Hideaway on Buena Vista Street in Uptown. However, neighbors are challenging the reopening of the Hideaway, and a hearing on the liquor license for the bar is now set for Dec. 7.
Hershner said the delays related to the Hideaway have not impacted the lease negotiations for the Drama Room.
“Each establishment pays its own bills,” he said.
