Shakers, a D.C. bar that is particularly popular with various LGBTQ recreational sports leagues, announced on Instagram that it will be closing its doors on Sunday, November 23rd.
In an Instagram post on Nov. 17, Daniel Honeycutt and Justin Parker, who also owned the now-closed bar The Dirty Goose, announced that after “many difficult conversations,” they had decided to exit the LGBTQ nightlife industry. The couple said they are looking forward to spending more time with their 3-year-old son.
In the post, owner Keaton Fedak also said: Kiki The former employee of The Dirty Goose will be taking over the space at 2014 Ninth St. NW. It includes two indoor bars and a large enclosed patio.
“I am pleased to announce this. shaker “This building will be taken over by our friend Keaton Fedak, owner of Kiki’s just down the road, and thankfully he intends to keep this space dedicated to our LGBTQ+ community,” the statement reads.
“Keaton entered the LGBTQ+ bar scene in 2016 as a bartender at Dirty Goose, then became TDG’s general manager in 2019, helping lead TDG through the coronavirus pandemic. Keaton then founded Kiki and turned it into one of D.C.’s most prominent LGBTQ+ bars. This is truly a full-circle moment for the three of us, and we’re excited to see what Keaton brings to the space.” ”
In the Shakers post, Fedak said it will continue to keep the space housing Shakers open throughout the winter, especially for private events booked through Shakers management. If you are interested in reserving space, please contact Fedak at info@dcwannahaveakiki.com.
“While we will have more to say on a more personal level in the coming days, we wanted to share this news with the Shaker family as soon as possible,” Honeycutt and Parker wrote. “We love you all and believe that 9th and U will be in good (GAY+) hands.”
In a statement posted to Kiki’s social media accounts, Fedak said the move to the Shakers property marks a “full circle moment” for his career.
“My journey in DC’s hospitality industry began long before I became an owner, going back to when I first met Justin Parker and Daniel Honeycutt through DCGFFL, our city’s gay flag football league,” Fedak posted. “Shortly thereafter, they gave me my first opportunity at The Dirty Goose and helped launch my career in hospitality in this city. Their trust and belief in me laid the foundation for everything that followed, including opening Kiki, which shares a wall with the very bar where I started.
“Justin and Daniel have spent years building incredible spaces in Washington, D.C., elevating the LGBTQ+ nightlife space,” Fedak’s statement continued. “Now, as they embark on a new chapter focused on family and new beginnings, I am honored to carry on a piece of what they have created.
“Operating two LGBTQ+ bars at 9th & U feels like our most fulfilling moment yet, rooted in friendship, community, and where it all started,” he said. “This is where we chronicle our growth, our chosen family, the history we have built together, and all that remains to come.”
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
