Phoenix’s Thundercat Lounge closes after less than a year

Thundercat Lounge, an ’80s-themed nightclub named for an animated television series that originally aired between 1985 and 1989, closed its doors in downtown Phoenix less than a year ago. year after its opening.

Housed in a historic 2,821-square-foot building at 747 W. Van Buren St., just west of Seventh Avenue, the visually immersive Thundercat was designed to resemble the food court of a shopping mall in the 90s with neon lights and mirrored ceilings.

It opened in January 2024.

Co-owners Jeremiah Gratza and Jacob Wiedmann shared the news in an Instagram post on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 26.

“We were born in the 80s,” they wrote. “We grew up watching Star Wars, Pee-Wee’s Playhouse and Saved by the Bell. Our first jobs were at the mall. From our very first concept as “Barteurs”, we always wanted to open a bar themed 80s. It’s in our blood. It’s who we are.

“I just have a lot of love for the 80s”

Before opening Thundercat Lounge, Gratza told The Arizona Republic, “I’m a big nerd. I have Alf collectibles. I collect VHS tapes and old Nintendo video games. I really like the years 80. And I hope others do too. I’m very happy about it.”

Over the past year, the Thundercat Lounge has hosted 275 events, including sold-out events for Urban Heat, Dave Parley, Nasaya, the Halluci Nation, Darius, Com Truise, One More Time, Hot Chip, Lumasi, WonkyWilla and Slow Magic, as well as countless dance parties.

Why Thundercat Lounge closed its doors

“Unfortunately, we encountered setbacks beyond our control and blocked some of our builds, like our Blade Runner-inspired private karaoke room,” the IG post explains.

“This has not been an easy task for us, and coupled with inflation, 2024 has been a tough year for restaurants, bars and live music in general. We have all seen countless restaurants and bars that we love to close this year. Unfortunately, we are now one of them. So, with a heavy heart, starting today, Thundercat Lounge will be closed.

This year also marked the closing of Ziggie’s Music, a Phoenix store with nearly 100 years of local history behind it, and Westside Blues, Jazz & More in Glendale.

The Beast, a music venue located in the original Cornish Pasty Co. in Tempe, has also ended live shows for the summer, an announcement made in early August. The Beast has yet to return to live music.

For now, the Thundercat Lounge co-owners plan to focus on their families and their first concept, Thunderbird Lounge.

“Those who were excited about the Thundercat Lounge events in December will still have something to look forward to as they move to @thunderbirdloungephx,” the post concludes.

“We hope to see you there for a drink or two. See you soon, and thanks for all the fish. Jeremiah and Jake.”

Ed has covered pop music for The Republic since 2007, reviewing festivals and concerts, interviewing legends, covering the local scene and much more. He did the same thing in Pittsburgh for more than a decade. Follow him on X and Instagram @edmasley and on Facebook as Ed Masley. Email him at [email protected].