Beloved Brisbane bar forced to close doors after 32 years
Gerties Bar and Restaurant has been a mainstay on its Brunswick St corner in New Farm for the last 32 years, but now the venue is closing its doors.
After three decades in the same location, the owner of a Brisbane pub has made the decision to shut down and possibly relocate.
Gerties owner Edwin Raul Chocop said that after the site was acquired by a new landlord, the lease expired, and the option to renew was not offered.
“I think people will support because they say that they would love to see [Gerties] continued… the love that we get from people is amazing,” Chocop said.
“When I announced that we’re closing, everybody came and told me their stories.”
This Saturday will be Gerties last day of trade, with a goodbye party to farewell the space on Thursday night.
“I expect a busy night tonight because we will have live music and a DJ for the farewell party… we also need to finish all the wines and things that we have there.”
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Gerties locals have already booked the venue’s last two nights of trade for private events.
“So the 28th, that’s the last day, and then Sunday we pack up everything… I want to put in storage for only three months, hopefully.”
Now, Chocop is looking for a new space for Gerties, though the search hasn’t pulled up any viable opportunities as of yet.
“I’m looking for a space, nothing new, similar space… but it definitely has to be the right spot. I think I will have to look carefully where I go.”
Chocop spoke about his eagerness to return Gerties signature Latin music and food to Brisbane, a feature that has made the venue unique to the city.
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“I want to try at least to come back and then continue doing the same vibe… we do the Latin music, Latin food. People say they feel like they’re in another part of the world here,” he said.
“I speak Spanish and we have this accent and the music. It’s something different that not everybody can see, but when people do see it, I get so happy that people are getting what I try to put out there.”
When asked about where Chocop envisions the next stage of Gerties, he lists off locations in James Street, Newstead, Teneriffe, West End and South Bank as ideal locations.
“I definitely would like to stay around New Farm because I feel like Gerties belongs here, but there’s just nothing here.”
Chocop began a GoFundMe last week with a goal to raise $10,000 to cover relocation and storage costs.
“I have connections with the people who’ve come from here for years, my locals and friends, all different ages. I know this guy who donated $100 right away, he moved from here to New York.
“When we come back, everybody who donated, will be the VIP for the opening night… that’s my plan.”
Chocop said he was worried about his team of staff now having to find new work with the future of Gerties being uncertain.
“One thing that was very sad for me is my chefs, bartenders and waitresses but also musicians who come perform maybe weekends… they have one less venue to do less gigs,” he said.
One of my good jazz singers, she came on Sunday and she was crying, saying she might have to move to Melbourne because there’s more chances over there.”
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