Downtown Phoenix's popular hangout, The Pemberton, confirmed it will be shutting its doors permanently at the end of March. In a heartfelt Instagram post to the community, the venue expressed gratitude for the past several years, emphasizing the unforgettable events and local business support they witnessed. "Dear Downtown Phoenix, it's been an incredible ride," the message began, briefly reminiscing about weddings, festivals and vibrant First Fridays that marked its eventful four-year history.
ABC15 reported that this outdoor entertainment venue near 3rd Street and Roosevelt, housed food trucks and bars among other concepts since its opening in early 2021. Despite the closure, The Pemberton pledges to remain open through March, inviting patrons to relish the space for a final time. With an announcement impending about what's next for the location, many in the community are left in suspense as they wait for further details.
The news of the closure has left many of The Pemberton's tenants in a precarious situation, including Melanie Franco, a single mom who founded the shop Black Amethyst within the venue. In a statement obtained by ABC15, Franco, with resilience, stated, “Well, I'm going to definitely try to open a bigger and better space. This is not all that I do. I am a metalsmith by trade, I make all of the jewelry and all of the accessories and things that are in the shop." Her words echo a determination to rise above the uncertainty cast by the imminent closure.
Adding to the voices of those affected, downtown Phoenix tour guide Lori Ann Mecham recounted to ABC15 how The Pemberton had become a communal hub. "So they opened up a spot in the back, put a big old screen out there. So I'm sad that it's closing up,” Mecham said, reflecting on the bygone times that are soon to be just memories.
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