11th Street nightclub DNA Lounge is on the brink of closure, owner Jamie Zawinski disclosed today in a bitterly honest post on the company's blog.

DNA Lounge was originally founded by Jim English, Jeff Mason and Brian Raffi in 1985. Following success as a computer programmer in the mid-'90s, Zawinski took over DNA Lounge in 1999, revamped the space and reopened the nightclub in 2001.

Despite the venue's popularity for nearly two decades, Zawinski's blog post admits that "DNA has never turned a profit."

Since the beginning, Zawinski claims to have invested $5 million into the business. "Through most of our history, the way we make payroll is, I write personal checks to cover it," Zawinski said.

But cash has run out. "We are running at a loss of somewhere in the neighborhood of $380,000 per year. And I don't have it."

In the blog post, Zawinski explains that things were looking up for DNA Lounge from between 2009 and 2014—when repairs were made, a license suspension was overturned and DNA Pizza launched next door. However, patronage at DNA Lounge dropped nine percent between 2014 and 2015, and 15 percent between 2015 and 2016.

"Couple this with the fact that Codeword [which launched at Fifth and Folsom last November with weekly dance parties and a 24-hour pizza parlor of its own] has no business to speak of, and we're screwed," Zawinski said.

To make ends meet, Zawinski says DNA Lounge, Codeword or both combined need to drive in an additional 800 patrons a week.

And while admitting that selling Codeword could help, Zawinski says that finding a buyer hasn't happened yet—and with DNA Lounge's dropping attendance, it's just "1/2 to 2/3rds of our problem."

Other ideas under consideration, Zawinski says, are seeking grants and expanding into new lines of business, like hosting corporate parties and conferences in the space.

At this point, however, Zawinski is inviting the community to share suggestions on how to save the business—and buy tickets to events, food and drinks.

"I really don't want to have to close DNA Lounge," Zawinski writes. "We have done some great things here. Not me, we. The umbrella of DNA is host to countless vibrant communities and thousands of regulars. We've had fifteen years of the most diverse, weird, interesting calendar of any venue I've ever seen. A typical month here doesn't include just bands and DJs, but comedy, lecture series, circuses, robotic exhibitions, dance performances, hair shows... We provide a home for a whole lot of truly amazing art. I'm so proud of everyone..."

If you have ideas for Zawinski, head over to the blog post and share them in the comments.

Or, to plan your next visit, check out the event calendars at DNA Lounge and Codeword. Remember, pizza is served 24/7 at both locations.