Last call at The Chute complex this Friday
Nashville's oldest gay bar, the Chute complex on Franklin Road in Melrose will be closing its doors this Friday night with a huge retirement party for owner and operator Don Hartsfield.
The Chute, located at 2535 Franklin Road, has operated six different themed clubs under one roof and served as home bar for several local community groups including the Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association (SMRA), the Music City Bears, The Conductors and many others throughout the past two decades.
For many years the Chute has served as a beacon for the community, providing a safe sanctuary for GLBT individuals to be themselves, connect with other like-minded people and it has always been a great place to just unwind and have fun. Many friendships have been made, families created and times shared at the Chute.
Without the financial contributions of bars like the Chute, Nashville Pride and other local community groups and organizations would have never gotten off the ground, let alone been able to sustain a positive influence in our community.
Thank you Don Hartsfield for all you have done for Nashville, we'll treasure our fond memories and wish you all the best!
In his own words
We have many great new bars in town to take over for the next 24 years. We have had a great run and will miss all of our wonderful friends and customers we've grown to love over the years.
I sincerely want to to thank you Nashville for your patronage and and friendship throughout the years. We have always tried to be a community minded bar and help all of our much needed organizations that do so much for anyone in need with fundraisers and donations. Special thanks to Nashville CARES, the Comprehensive Care Center (CCC) and Alive Hospice for all you do.
I hope all of our new bars in town will continue to support in any way they can, so you can continue the good work you do for our community.
I would like to thank my wonderful staff - "my family" - for all of their dedication to me and the bar for so many years. I was truly blessed to have the best staff of employees ever! I will miss seeing you all every day. Good Luck to all of you.
I hope to see you all at my retirement party this Friday night.
With much love,
Don Hartfield
Chute owner and operator