DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — A popular bar in Delray Beach is closing its doors permanently after more than four decades in business.
The Frog Lounge, located at 1325 N. Federal Highway, posted the unfortunate news on Facebook on Monday, saying it's survived years of hurricanes, economic ups and downs, and "absolute craziness," but the coronavirus pandemic is putting them out of business.
"We want to thank everyone who has every passed through our doors and especially all those that became family. We hope to see everyone somewhere down the line!" the Facebook post said.
Owner Gene Playter bought the bar in 2015, and in the last 24 since posting about the closing on social media, he's been flooded with messages from customers past and present.
"How they met their wife there, and it was the first bar they had a drink in, and all these different things," Player said. "There's a lot of history here."
Thousands of businesses in South Florida have had to shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic.
"We've spent a substantial amount of money paying on rent for a place that hasn't done business since March 17," Playter said.
The Frog Lounge said it will begin selling everything including lights, signs, TVs, coolers, and even alcohol.
"It's heartbreaking," Playter said. "I mean, you think about all the memories that have been created here for years."
If you're interested in purchasing any of those items, call 954-260-7611.