outdoor TVs — Monkey Barrel not only made it to the other side of the pandemic, but is thriving. Despite occupying the space for over 10 years, pouring 100s of thousands of dollars into the building’s restoration and activation of the neighborhood, and even championing the City to finally invest in the neglected park across the street to create a green space for families and residents, the threat of the land Monkey Barrel sits on being replaced with condos has never left. Jimmy and his partner’s requests over the decade to purchase the property continues to be denied, and time is ticking with only three years left on their current lease. They’re hoping their recent Legacy Business award will offer some sort of protection for Sunnyside’s beloved neighborhood bar. “Really the big thing is now that we’re in the Denver Legacy Program, the City of Denver has recognized us as a business that helps contribute to the community. They don’t want us to go away. So the next step is we got to try to get this land, and my landlord has never been open to the idea of selling it to me, even though I bring it up every year. But I have a feeling that if we’re not here, the next tenant or the next owner of the property isn’t going to want to keep it as a restaurant or a venue, or they’re going to want to turn it into condos. That’s where the neighborhood loses — the neighborhood loses a stage, and musicians lose the stage. That’s another stage that’s not monopolized, that’s independent and local, that’s going to be gone for those comedians who have five minutes of stage time. We’re a space where people come for birthdays and celebrations and memorials. It’s really important to have it in the neighborhood.” Jimmy concludes. Despite living in a day and age ruled by big box conglomerates, global banks and large supply chains, the bread and butter of our shared economy and the heartbeat of every city is and will always be local business. Monkey Barrel is a crucial part of what makes Denver vibrant and we need them for their parties and reelin' and rockin.’ But most importantly, we need them for all they do to champion artists, fellow small businesses and the legacy they’re making in Sunnyside. SUPPORT THIS DENVER LEGACY BUSINESS BY SWINGING BY FOR DRINKS, FOOD & EVENTS | OPEN DAILY AT 11AM | 4401 TEJON ST, DENVER, CO LEARN MORE: MONKEYBARRELBAR.COM | FB & IG: @MONKEYBARRELBAR
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