Laura Butterbrodt: The Memo: Duluth's Flame nightclub receives Barstool grant

Jun. 23—The Flame nightclub in Duluth received a Barstool Fund grant earlier this month that owner Justin Vranish says has allowed the club to be fully staffed for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

"It was great for our staff, letting us know that we're able to keep our doors open," Vranish said. "It relieves a lot of stress on us that we've been going through."

The Flame was the second Minnesota bar to receive funds from The Barstool Fund, created by Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. So far, the Barstool Fund has given nearly $40 million to 411 small businesses across the country. Vranish said there was a lengthy application process for the grant, including a video interview and several application forms over the course of a few months.

While Vranish did not disclose the amount of the grant, he said most of the money will be spent on payroll and catching up on bills. He said the Flame's staff is back at work and vaccinated against COVID-19. June is a busy month at Duluth's first and only LGBT+ nightclub because of Pride Month and Grandma's Marathon weekend.

Vranish took over as the Flame's owner at the beginning of 2020, about six weeks before the pandemic forced the club to shut down and restrict hours. Because he didn't have 2019 revenue for the club, the bar wasn't eligible for the first round of U.S. Small Business Administration loans.

"The thing that really hurt us as a nightclub and bar was having to close at 9, then 10, then it went to 11," Vranish said. "All of our business is generated between midnight and 2 a.m., so when you take away those hours from us, it really hurt."

Vranish said he and his staff are proud to have been selected and recognized by The Barstool Fund, and they look forward to being open at regular hours again this fall when college students are back in town.

Glensheen opens coffee bar

Glensheen is now serving Duluth Coffee Co. coffee and donuts from Johnson's Bakery in the Carriage House's garage space. The Coffee Bar will be open 9-11 a.m. daily through Aug. 29.

In addition to The Coffee Bar, Glensheen has also brought back "Shark on the Lake" drinks and ice cream service. Shark on the Lake is open from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday and noon to 7 p.m. Saturday. Love Creamery ice cream and beer, wine and cocktails will be available.

Laura Butterbrodt covers health and business for the Duluth News Tribune. Contact her at 218-723-5320 or lbutterbrodt@duluthnews.com.