Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
October 22, 2025
Pride Holdings Acquires Austin's Top LGBTQ+ Bar in Major Expansion
TLDR
- Pride Holdings Group's acquisition of Austin's top-ranked LGBTQ+ bar provides strategic market entry into Texas with plans for expansion across major cities.
- Pride Holdings acquired Cheer Up Charlie's with founders retaining leadership roles as part of a structured Texas expansion plan over 24 months.
- This acquisition preserves authentic LGBTQ+ community spaces while providing resources to strengthen support for diverse artists and performers.
- Austin's iconic LGBTQ+ bar Cheer Up Charlie's, ranked number one for 15 years, now joins Pride Holdings' national entertainment portfolio.
Impact - Why it Matters
This acquisition represents a crucial development in the preservation and expansion of LGBTQ+ safe spaces at a time when many such venues face economic challenges and closures. The corporate backing from an LGBTQ+-focused company like Pride Holdings provides financial stability that allows iconic community spaces to thrive while maintaining their authentic character. For LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, this signals that culturally significant gathering places can achieve sustainable growth without sacrificing their community-focused missions. The planned Texas expansion means more cities will gain professionally managed, financially secure LGBTQ+ venues that serve as vital community hubs beyond just nightlife—providing spaces for connection, celebration, and cultural preservation. This model demonstrates how corporate investment can support rather than dilute the unique character of LGBTQ+ establishments.
Summary
Pride Holdings Group (OTC: PHSE), a national leader in LGBTQ+ hospitality and entertainment, has made a strategic acquisition of Cheer Up Charlie's, Austin's top-ranked LGBTQ+ bar for the past 15 years. This landmark deal represents a significant milestone in Pride Holdings' national expansion strategy as the company builds the leading network of LGBTQ+ entertainment destinations across the United States. The acquisition brings one of Texas' most iconic LGBTQ+ venues into the Pride Holdings portfolio, preserving a beloved community institution while providing the financial backing and resources needed for future growth.
The transition maintains strong leadership continuity, with founders Tamara and Maggie remaining in their positions to ensure the bar's authentic community-driven identity remains intact. Cheer Up Charlie's has consistently held the #1 spot among Austin LGBTQ+ nightlife venues, making it a cornerstone of the city's cultural and entertainment scene. According to Maggie Lea, joining the Pride Holdings family provides the long-term stability they've always dreamed of while allowing them to strengthen support for the diverse community of artists, nightlife performers, live musicians, and audiences that make the venue so special. The acquisition serves as the launching point for Pride Holdings' Texas expansion strategy, with future openings planned in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio within the next 24 months.
CEO Mike Barrett emphasized that Cheer Up Charlie's represents more than just a business transaction—it's a symbol of community, resilience, and celebration that Pride Holdings is honored to carry forward. The company's approach focuses on preserving the soul of LGBTQ+ spaces while elevating them to new levels of visibility, impact, and profitability. As a premier LGBTQ+ hospitality and cultural rollup, Pride Holdings continues to set the global standard for inclusive hospitality through strategic acquisitions, tech-enabled membership platforms, and new revenue channels. For more information about this exciting development, readers can visit the company's website at www.prideholdingsgroup.com or view the original release on www.newmediawire.com.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, Pride Holdings Acquires Austin's Top LGBTQ+ Bar in Major Expansion
