Owners Of Popular Duluth Martini Lounge Announce Permanent Closure

Fans of a popular Downtown Duluth hotspot got some sad news on Thursday.

The owners of Black Water Lounge on the street level of Greysolon Plaza on Superior Street shared in a social media post on Thursday afternoon that they will be closing down the martini lounge after 15 years of serving cocktails and food items.

In the emotional social media post, Black Woods Group owners Cullen and Julie shared that the final day of service will be later this month.

Why is Black Water Lounge closing?

In the post, they explained the reason for the closure, stating "Times have changed – people’s dining and social habits have shifted – even more so since the impacts of COVID. These changes have pushed us to have to make the difficult decision to close a business that is very special to us."

The lounge will continue normal operation until its closing date next Thursday.

When is Black Water closing?

The owners of Black Water Lounge say they will continue to provide service for the next week, with their final day of operation being Thursday, July 25. They will then shut down after the end of their service day on the 25th.

What will happen with the Black Water staff?

The social media post thanked their staff, who made Black Water the beloved place it was, calling them "the heart and soul of the Lounge" and highlighting the special experience and magnificent martinis their staff offered to customers.

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It is being reported that the approximately 20 staff members will be able to stay with the company in other roles at the company's other establishments.

What if you have a Black Water gift certificate?

The owners say anyone with a Black Water gift certificate who will not be able to use it before they close, all other Black Woods Group restaurants will honor the gift certificates. That includes the three Black Woods locations as well as Tavern on the Hill.

In addition, any rewards earned through the Black Woods Group's BWG Rewards program at Black Water will be recognized at their other establishments.

What is next?

In their social media post, the owners extended a special thanks to their customers over the last 15 years, saying "We look forward to continuing to serve you your Lounge favorites at our other locally-owned restaurants – more to come on this soon!"

A tease of something new, perhaps?

While the owners expressed sadness in sharing this news, calling it painful, the ownership explains that the move will allow them "the opportunity to continue to grow and focus on our other thriving businesses."

The Black Woods Group, which owns Black Water Lounge, also operates Greysolon, Black Woods Grill & Bar locations in Duluth, Proctor, and Two Harbors, as well as Tavern on the Hill in the Woodland neighborhood of Duluth.

In the social media post, the owners highlight Greysolon, saying it "will continue to be an anchor in the Twin Ports and Downtown Duluth as we have for the last 3 decades." They say that the venue drives tens of thousands of people through various events like weddings, corporate, and social events.