Preserving Houston’s Dive Bars
Bobby Heugel and Peter Jahnke, the masterminds behind popular bars Anvil and Refuge, are on a mission to save Houston’s older bars. In recent years, they’ve purchased Catbirds and Blue Lagoon Club, two beloved dive bars in the city. But how do you keep a dive bar alive without changing its vibe?
The Inspiration Behind Saving Dive Bars
Heugel explains that the idea to buy Catbirds came about when the previous owner decided to stop operating it. Heugel and Jahnke, who used to be roommates, lived near Catbirds and wanted to keep it around. After successfully preserving Catbirds, they decided to do the same for Blue Lagoon Club, which was facing similar challenges.
Gaining the Trust of Regulars
When taking over a new bar, gaining the trust of regulars is crucial. Heugel notes that in Montrose, where Catbirds is located, people were initially worried that they would turn the bar into a cocktail bar. To alleviate these concerns, Heugel and Jahnke made a conscious effort to resist their prior reputation and instead focus on preserving the bar’s original character. At Blue Lagoon, they faced a different challenge – earning the trust of a new community. Heugel believes that it’s essential to get to know the people and the neighborhood to create a sense of belonging.
The Importance of Maintaining Dive Bars
Heugel emphasizes that maintaining older bars like Catbirds and Blue Lagoon is vital to the city’s cultural landscape. In an era where novelty and social media dominance are highly valued, older establishments often get overlooked. As a result, they struggle to stay afloat due to rising costs and decreased attention. Heugel argues that if people don’t step in to save these spaces, they will disappear, leaving a significant gap in the city’s cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Heugel and Jahnke’s efforts to preserve Houston’s dive bars are a testament to the importance of maintaining the city’s cultural identity. By taking over and revitalizing older bars, they are helping to ensure that these beloved institutions continue to thrive. As Heugel notes, it’s essential to appreciate and support these older establishments, not just for their nostalgic value but also for the sense of community and character they bring to the city. By doing so, we can help preserve the unique spirit of Houston’s dive bars for generations to come.
