Stampede Corral, a country bar located in Kitchener, has announced they will be closing their doors next month after 35 years of business.
According to Andrew Mackay, owner of Stampede Corral since 1999, the bars lease is set to expire on this upcoming June 30. Mackay and his business partner, Lauren Buckley, were unable to negotiate a new lease with their Toronto landlord, leading to their decision to close the business.
“The Corral ran entertainment three nights a week for 52 weeks a year with new country bands from all over Ontario occupying the stage,” Mackay said in an email.
“Nightclubs have had a struggle operating in today’s climate as people don’t visit the clubs like they once did. Add in the 32 per cent increase in minimum wage over a fifteen month period and with a very high rent, it was difficult to survive.”
Stampede Corral first opened its doors in 1983 by Gregory Bud Weadick, Mackay noted. The business was later sold in 1988 to Jim Pappas and Stuart Murray who then sold the bar to Mackay 11 years ago.
Mackay says he will continue to run Stampede Ranch — located in Guelph — a business that he has been involved with for over 30 years.
Stampede Corral’s final night in business is set for Saturday, June 16.
“This is very unfortunate for all the staff, the bands and the customers that have been so loyal to the Corral over the years,” Mackay wrote.
