Gamlin Whiskey House and Sub Zero Vodka Bar are permanently closing after more than a decade serving patrons in the Central West End.
“The day has come that we hoped never would. We are permanently closing Gamlin Whiskey House and Sub Zero Vodka Bar,” Gamlin Restaurant Group, the operator of the venues owned by Derek and Lucas Gamlin, said in a Facebook post, noting that “the weight of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic were simply too much to bear.”
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“The road ahead is uncharted territory, and none of us know what the future holds, but we will be stronger in the end,” the post said. “To that end we raise our glass to the memories we’ve made together, and to the brighter future we know is ahead.”
Gamlin Whiskey House and Sub Zero Vodka Bar will have their final curbside pickup service today from 3–6 p.m. at Gamlin Whiskey House. Guests can redeem gift cards for either venue for to-go cocktails tonight.
Although the news is disheartening, there are some silver linings. Guests can find Sub Zero brand vodka at local stores.
Also, Gamlin Restaurant Group will announce winners of its bottle raffle soon, so guests can enjoy whiskey at home. The company started the raffle during the pandemic with all proceeds going to its staff. Whiskey bottles in the raffle include Rhetoric from Orphan Barrell Whiskey Distilling Co., The Boss Hog from The Samurai Scientist, and two expressions from Jack Daniel’s Sinatra series.
The bar closings mark the end of a long chapter for the Gamlins in the Central West End. Sub Zero Vodka Bar opened in the neighborhood in 2004 and Gamlin Whiskey House followed in 2013.
Earlier this year, the Gamlin brothers closed 1764 Public House, another one of their Central West End venues. The restaurant and bar opened in 2017 but suffered due to destabilizing forces in the neighborhood including frequent construction, Derek Gamlin said at the time.
“We were still reeling from the loss of 1764 and then the virus comes along,” he told SLM this afternoon and knew it would be hard to bounce back. “With such limited seating, I saw us dumping in money just to lose money. In that scenario, it seemed impossible for either restaurant to survive.”
He says his plan is to stay in the business, reinvent himself as quickly as possible, and remain positive. “My whole career, I’ve brought people together and entertained them,” he says. “I have a few ideas, a few people that I know I can help. The good news is that I’m now a free agent. That part of it is liberating, at least.”
Derek Gamlin adds that he and his brother will dissolve Gamlin Restaurant Group. “Lucas is getting out of the business,” he says. “I hope to stay in.”
