Two downtown Raleigh bars are closing their doors in November.
The Wicked Witch and The Night Rider are known safe spaces for people in the LGBTQ community.
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“This place has been a magnet for different communities,” resident DJ Nathan Kotecki told WRAL. “The goth community has found this spot; the queer community has found this spot.”
Bar owner Tim Lemuel declined an interview. However, he announced on social media that the last events at the bars will happen the first weekend in November.
“We came so close to passing a new torch for these spaces, but our landlord had different ideas and rejected out offer to keep the Witched Witch and The Night Rider here,” he said in the post.
“We had the time of our lives - dancing, singing drinking, getting weird with you for these last eight years,” bartender and show producer Lynsey Horn said in the post.
The space is listed for lease by Atlas Stark, boasting new renovations, a modern design and an open layout. I didn’t immediately hear back for comment from the company.
“Perfect for businesses seeking a vibrant, professional space,” the advertisement reads.
WRAL emailed and called each of the people listed on the advertisement. They did not immediately respond for comment.
“There's a lot of development going on in Raleigh. There are a lot of people who can make more money by maybe doing some upgrades,” Kotecki said. “That's capitalism. That's how it works.”
At this point, Lemuel said there are no plans for relocation.