THE COLONY, Texas — Let the drinks flow!
A North Texas bar that has served the community for nearly 30 years has avoided its "last call" thanks to some last-minute help.
RIX Sports Bar, formerly known as CJ's, is located on Main Street in The Colony. The bar was set to close on July 27, according to a post on the bar's Facebook page. Customers flooded the post sharing photos and memories of their time spent at the bar.
"This is the worst news. I have so many memories and friends made at Rix. It was my home away from home," Marissa Cruz said in a comment.
Rix general manager Alexandra Treichler said in a statement that the restaurant's landlord TY Commercial "has made it completely impossible to stay." Knowing how important the bar is to the community, Treichler started an online petition with a goal of 100 signatures.
More than 1,200 people signed the petition.
Less than two weeks later, the bar shared a "Heartfelt Update" on its Facebook page saying it was able to come to a lease agreement with a leasing agent and an insurance specialist that will keep the bar, which opened in the mid-90s, in business.
"Our insurance agent was able to use the petition and news article to secure us the necessary insurance (previously unavailable) and we can now keep our doors open!" the post said.
A going away party has now turned into a celebration party.
"THANK YOU to everyone who came out in support, signed the petition, and shared our cause. It truly did make an impact and we’re so happy to continue to serve our community," the post said.
Now the Rix is paying forward.
The bar said it would use the money donated to them to help a local special needs teacher set up her classroom before the first day of the 2024-2025 school year.
They created an Amazon wish list of school and classroom supplies including clipboards, pencil dispensers, notebooks, Lysol, desk organizers, and more.
