Streetcar Charlie's, the gay owned and operated bar and grille located at Eighth Avenue and 15th Street in Ybor City, has gone out of business as of this past Monday.
Opening in early 2008, the establishment became part of the emerging GaYBOR business district, and was immensely popular for its first few years in operation. But a year ago it was obvious that the business was struggling, when it was revealed that ownership had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after acknowledging they owed $120,000 in back taxes.
But the crowds, especially at lunchtime, had begun to thin considerably over the last year, and earlier this month, some kitchen staff members began picketing the establishment, saying that co-owner James Clark was stiffing them on their paychecks, and in some cases threatening to call immigration officials on them if they persisted in complaining about it.
This article appears in May 26 – Jun 1, 2011.