Join Rally To Save Bar Sepia This Wednesday

PROSPECT HEIGHTS – After 14 years, beloved neighborhood watering hole Bar Sepia is slated to close this Wednesday, but owner Delissa Reynolds is not going out without a fight.

There will be a rally at the bar on Wednesday where patrons and neighbors can show their support for the small business and community hub. Reynolds has also set up an online petition as well as a Go Fund Me campaign in an effort to raise cash to help her purchase the building located at 234 Underhill Avenue.

“Unfortunately, after February 28th Bar Sepia will end operations and our lease will expire at the end of April,” Reynolds wrote in a Facebook message dated February 23. “As of today, our repeated requests to meet with the owner have gone unanswered. However, we will continue to press forward and do everything possible to stay open up to and including making an offer to purchase the building.”

Reynolds’ efforts to save her small business have garnered support from NYS Senator Kevin Parker and Public Advocate Letitia James. James attended and spoke at another rally held at the bar earlier this month.

As of Monday morning, the petition has collected 1,094 signatures of its 2,000 goal. Reynolds hopes the signatures will convince the building owner to reconsider selling the building to her.

“We took on the challenge to open our business when not many were interested in investing in the area and have partnered with the community to build a place where everyone is welcome and many consider a second home,” she states on the petition. “We know it’s a long shot but we’ve made incredible progress.”

All the seats were filled at Bar Sepia when BKLYNER stopped by for a visit at about 6pm this past Saturday. Reynolds was busy working behind the bar but graciously made the time to greet her many customers and friends coming and going—many of whom have been frequenting the bar since it opened in 2004.

The cozy venue exuded warmth and was packed with a friendly crowd of varying ages, races, and patrons from all walks of life. Many lamented Bar Sepia’s imminent closure and several took to writing messages of support on the bar’s back wall.

March 3 will mark Bar Sepia’s 14th anniversary. Reynolds is hoping to host a party to celebrate the bittersweet milestone.

To help Bar Sepia, stop by during its final days, sign the online petition here, and contribute to the Go Fund Me campaign here. Reynolds also suggests writing to local representatives—learn more here.