Atomic Rose Club and Grill, a popular nightclub that hosted drag shows and brunch, is now closed.
A post from the establishment’s Facebook page said that new owners are scheduled to occupy the space in December and hoped that the building would stay a “safe place” and be “better than ever.”
“The last five years have been a blast and we would like to thank you for your friendship and support,” the post said.
This announcement comes almost a year after a letter was posted on the account’s social media page from the previous owners where they said they were looking to “let the business go” to someone younger who “[has] the connections and energy to take Atomic Rose to the next level.”
“We have done our best and hope we have gained the trust and respect of the LGBTQ+ community,” the letter said. “We hope that the new owners will keep the same format and just add to the business and continue to make it the premier LGBTQ+ venue in the south.”
The club opened its doors 2019 on 140 Lt. George W Lee Ave. and has hosted weekly drag shows and brunches, as well as its War of the Roses competition – a local drag competition that follows a similar format of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Atomic Rose also received national recognition when it became the setting of a viral video of drag performer Bella DuBalle condemning Tennessee’s infamous “anti-drag” bill. Outlets like Politico and The Guardian also shed light on the club as the bill went through the legislature.
