By Henry Dooley
The Town Pump is the oldest bar in Fort Collins and is somewhat of a local legend. When the Corona Virus restrictions hit Colorado last year, the bar like many others struggled to make ends meet. On December 30th 2020 the Town Pump released a video on their social media platforms asking for donations to help keep the bar open.
A GoFundMe was set up with a goal of crowdfunding $75,000 to help with rent, payroll, and some debts. Within seven days the page had raised more than $95,000 with donations coming in from all over the world, but mostly from locals who didn’t want to see their local watering hole close.
I spoke with one of the Town Pump’s employees Matt Witczak about the fundraiser and how the Town Pump managed to stay open despite the restrictions.
Interviewer: What had you guys been doing prior to the fundraiser to help bring in profit for the bar?
Matt: Well we built a patio outside front that could fit about four people in the summer. We also began accepting cards as we were previously a cash only establishment. Finally we were selling cocktails and shots to go, our jello shots our famous around town and we decided to sell those to go.
Q: What did you personaly have to do to help out the bar, were your hours cut or anything?
A: Yes, everyone’s hours were cut due to the restrictions but we also volunterred to defer our pay till later so the bar could pay rent. That was pretty big, for a while we only made money from tips, which were generous at the time but it isn’t the same as a paycheck.
Q: What did it mean to you personaly when all those donations staarted coming in?
A: Oh it was huge, it meant so much to everyone here when we saw thousands of dollars coming in every day. We couldn’t believe it. It was nice to know we mean so much to so many people.
Q: What was it like to reach your goal in such a short time?
A: It was a little overwhelming at first. Like I said before we were all so suprised by how much people cared. Our bar is so small but to see that it has made such an impact on the community is really cool.
Q: How is the bar doing now since all the donations?
A: The bar is doing very well now. I think all the publicity really helped bring people in as well. We have sol many people come in and say they saw us on the news. We see new faces everyday now!
The Town Pump is one of many local bars that struggled during the COVID-19 restrictions, but the community support helped keep the bar open. All the donations truely mean the world to the employees as well, who are now getting their paychecks thanks to the support.
The Town Pump is open everyday from 3P.M. to Midnight. Swing by for a drink, or for some legendary Town Pump Merch!
