AUSTIN, Texas — Donn's Depot is asking the Austin community for help to stay open amid ongoing struggles caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The dive bar, located in an old train station on West Fifth Street, has managed to stay afloat with a Paycheck Protection Program loan. But times are tough, and the owners said the funds from that loan run out at the end of September. Now, they're trying to think of ways to keep the bar's doors open.
One solution is a new "All Star Subscription Fund" where people can cover the venue's operational costs. Donn's needs 250 people to pledge $50 per month for the next year to make sure the bar lives on.
"I know some are in a position to give less, and that some will be able to give more, please give what you can. Pledges will go to operational costs only (rent, utilities and reopening costs)," René Britt, a "Depot Family Member," wrote on the bar's social media.
According to the post, subscribers will have access to a private Facebook page and will also receive a private "thank you" party when the bar reopens, a private Christmas preview party in 2021 and their names on a "wall of thanks" inside the bar.
Owner Donn Adelman posted a video on the Depot's Instagram thanking those who have donated so far.
Several other businesses and members of the Austin community have also posted about saving the bar, including Birds Barbershop, The Longtime and Mohawk owner James Moody.
Moody wrote a call-to-action statement on Instagram, saying in part, "[These spots] are looking for a little boost when they need it most so they can sustain long term. What’s the exchange to you? Let’s be honest, Donn's has given all of us way more than we could ever give them in return so trust me – it’s a good deal. It’s the cost of the last tab you probably didn’t pay."
In his post, Moody also linked to a GoFundMe that has raised over $38,000 of its $50,000 goal as of Wednesday afternoon.
Subscribers can send checks to:
Donn's Depot
1600 W. 5th Street
Austin, TX 78703
Contributions can also be made via PayPal to paypal.me/donnsdepot or through Venmo to @donn-adelman.
Adelman permanently established the Depot in 1972, according to the bar's website.
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