Quirky retro bar The Middle 8 to close in Pleasanton

"We've had an amazing time but we're going to close (for now)! posted a bar representative. Our revenue just hasn't kept pace with the rising costs and our very high rent increases (we would have had to do 300 percent more revenue to justify our rent). The bar hopes to quickly move to a new location, according to the post, though no other details were shared."

"The Middle 8 opened about five years ago with a horseshoe-shaped bar, throw-back furniture and groovy vibes. It served cocktails seemingly warped in from the 1970s, like a Disco Lemonade and a Porn Star Martini with passion fruit and rose bubbles. The Middle 8 in Pleasanton considers itself a "groovy lounge" and features retro style furniture situated around a horseshoe shaped bar."

The Middle 8 will close on Sunday, Jan. 11. Revenue has not kept pace with rising costs and dramatic rent increases that would have required roughly 300 percent more revenue to justify the space. The owners hope to relocate quickly but provided no details. The venue opened about five years ago with a horseshoe-shaped bar, throw-back furniture, retro cocktails, a rear speakeasy called The Back Beat, and a $100,000 speaker system. The 3,500-square-foot space held 60 seats and emphasized neighborhood mingling over club dancing. Reasons cited include changing demographics, higher insurance and outside costs, and a trend of fewer people drinking or socializing.

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