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Knoxville's Club XYZ Closes Doors After 22 Years
27 Jun
Summary
- Club XYZ, a pillar of Knoxville's LGBTQ+ scene, will close Saturday.
- Rent disputes and landlord differences led to the bar's abrupt closure.
- CORE is now Knoxville's only dedicated LGBTQ+ bar after XYZ's closure.
After 22 years of operation, Club XYZ, a significant fixture in Knoxville's LGBTQ+ scene and the Happy Holler neighborhood, is scheduled for its final celebration on Saturday, June 27. Opening in October 2004 at 1215 N. Central St., the bar became a cherished space for community and belonging, particularly recognized for its drag shows.
The closure comes after owner Richard Cameron cited personal differences with landlord Daniel Schuh, leading to accrued missed rent payments exceeding $17,000. This situation reflects a broader trend of challenges faced by LGBTQ+ bars nationwide, intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new LGBTQ+-allied business is anticipated to occupy the space in the coming months, though details remain undisclosed. With Club XYZ's departure, CORE, located at 7211 Kingston Pike, stands as the sole dedicated LGBTQ+ bar in Knoxville.
