The owner of an American-themed cowboy bar near Birmingham has been forced to close his 'dream' business after only a year of trading.
A Dream Reaches the End of the Line
Lee Rushton, the proprietor of the Last Chance Saloon on Bromsgrove High Street, announced the venue's permanent closure. The bar, which aimed to bring a slice of American culture to the Midlands, opened its doors on October 12 last year. It catered to fans of country music and showcased major US sports.
In a heartfelt social media post, Rushton explained the difficult decision. He cited two primary reasons for shutting down. Firstly, he felt the business had received less support than anticipated from certain quarters. Secondly, and more critically, after a full year of operation, word about the unique bar had not spread widely enough.
Struggles in the Final Months
Rushton admitted the saloon had 'struggled' significantly in its final couple of months, reaching a point where continuing was no longer viable. He highlighted the personal toll of running the business, mentioning the long, late nights and associated stress, which he felt was unsustainable alongside raising a young family.
The venture was a personal passion project for Rushton, who even hired a chef with previous cooking experience in America to ensure an authentic Stateside flavour. The closure marks the end of his ambition to create a dedicated hub for American culture in the region.
Gratitude Amidst Disappointment
Despite the sadness of closure, Rushton expressed profound thanks to his loyal customers and the local community. He reflected on the fantastic nights of live music hosted each month and the great people the bar had brought together.
'For us to be able to provide you all with some great nights of live music each month and watch you all have such good times in a bar we have created is something I shall never forget,' he stated in his farewell message. He also thanked local businesses for their support from the outset and hinted that this might not be the last his patrons see of him.
The closure of Last Chance Saloon adds to the challenges faced by the hospitality sector, illustrating how even well-conceived, niche ventures can struggle to find a sustainable foothold without sufficient awareness and local backing.
