PHOTO VIA HEATWAVE FACEBOOK PAGE
Heatwave (Facebook | Website), an LGBTQ venue located in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood near Inter&Co Stadium, will close its doors this Sunday, March 8, after less than a year of business. Owners Kevin Varanai and Andrea Dunn announced the closure on social media, citing the financial challenges of operating a large venue after extended delays in getting the space open.
“While the love for the space has been real, the financial realities of operating this large of a venue has been tougher than we hoped, especially after the countless roadblocks we’ve faced getting open,” they wrote.
The pair opened Heatwave with the goal of creating an upscale gathering space for queer and like-minded community members, in the bones of the former Stonewall Bar, which closed in late December 2021. Despite never holding a formal grand opening, the venue hosted several performances, celebrations, and community events during its run.
All scheduled events this weekend will proceed as planned. “This isn’t the ending we imagined, but we’re incredibly proud of what was created here and deeply grateful to everyone who helped bring it to life,” Kevin and Andrea wrote.
Sunday, March 8, will be the final day of operation. The owners are encouraging guests to come say goodbye and tip staff on the way out.
