07/03/2026
Well... this is the post I've been hoping I'd never have to write.
I've spent a lot of time thinking about how to say goodbye, and the truth is, there just isn't an easy way. It breaks my heart to say this, but Slim's Neighborhood Bar & Grille will not be reopening.
Over the years, Slim's became so much more than a bar. It became home. I fell in love with this town, with the people who walked through our doors every day, and with the incredible team that stood beside us through the good times and the bad. Some of my favorite memories, my biggest laughs, and some lifelong friendships came from that little building.
I loved taking care of all of you. Whether it was spending the night tending the smoker, pulling briskets and ribs at just the right moment, making my signature baked beans, whipping up a dirty Old Fashioned from behind the bar, or simply watching friends and families gather around a table together... those moments meant more to me than I can ever put into words.
That isn't the ending I wanted, and it certainly isn't the ending you deserved.
Now for some good news...
The Queen of Hearts game has officially been transferred to Romer's. They have accepted full ownership and responsibility for the game, and they'll be restarting it in the next couple of weeks. Please give their page a follow so you don't miss any announcements.
And yes... the jackpot is still **$29,547.**
Trust me, I looked everywhere for a loophole that would let me spend it on cruises, a new smoker, bourbon, and a lifetime supply of briskets... but apparently that's "illegal" and "theft." Who knew? So I guess one of you is going to have to win it instead.
On a more serious note, I'd like to address something that's weighed heavily on me.
For months, there have been rumors, accusations, and some incredibly hateful comments made about me and my family. Today should put one of those rumors to rest once and for all. The Queen of Hearts money was never ours. It never disappeared. It has been transferred exactly as it should have been, with every penny accounted for.
Those who have been spreading those rumors were wrong about the Queen of Hearts, and they are just as wrong about what has happened with our insurance claim.
I haven't responded to most of the accusations, not because I didn't want to, but because I couldn't. At one point I was involved in no fewer than three lawsuits, and my attorneys were very clear that I was not to engage publicly. Staying silent while people attacked my family and questioned our integrity has honestly been one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
The truth is actually pretty simple.
Slim's was doing amazingly well. We weren't closing because the business failed. The lawsuits ultimately forced us into bankruptcy, and the fire and the insurance issues that followed turned an already impossible situation into one we simply couldn't overcome. I am sorry it isn't something more interesting. But reality rarely is.
I'm still working to resolve those insurance issues. My goal remains the same as it has always been: to complete the repairs, satisfy every obligation I still can, and make sure our team receives the final paycheck they have earned. I won't stop fighting until I've exhausted every avenue available to me.
As for the building itself, I truly hope someone comes along with a dream of their own and the courage to chase it.. I hope they fill it with laughter, great food, cold drinks, and create another place this community can love for years to come. This town deserves that.
Finally...
To everyone who supported us, defended us, laughed with us, celebrated birthdays with us, watched football with us, listened to live music with us, played Queen of Hearts with us, or simply chose to spend an evening at Slim's...
Thank you.
Thank you for trusting me to cook your dinner. Thank you for letting me pour you a drink after a long day. Thank you for every conversation across the bar, every laugh, every story, every handshake, and every friendship.
You gave me memories that I'll carry for the rest of my life, and no lawsuit, fire, bankruptcy, or rumor can ever take those away.
From the bottom of my heart...
Thank you for letting me be part of this incredible community.
I'll miss you all.
— Gary
