Talk:Sutton’s Place

Comments on Sutton’s Place

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Chdaxe said ...

05:31, 19 March 2010 (EST)

Some of the bio runs contrary to what I personally know & remember. I believe Ernie Pesis bought the bar from Gordon Locksley, which gave it a gay ownership before Ernie purchased it. Rumors swirled about Ernie, probably because he was a mystery to most, as he never came to the bar during business hours & only worked in it's office during the day. I knew him personally & never had any inkling of any untoward activity beyond convincing a friendly judge to fix his friends parking tickets. He impressed me as a true straight ally of the gay community. He passed away a few years ago, & I remember him as a decent caring individual.

His son Ronnie Pesis who owned the Saloon was another matter. Perhaps that is where the questionable business dealings comes from. Ronnie had some drug related legal difficulties & put his bar in the names of Andy & John who subsequently took over, but the specific details are not known to me. Ernie's other son, Jimmy who is still in the area could perhaps fill in the blanks.

Suttons moved briefly to 5th & Hennepin, where it was quickly overwhelmed by straight partiers. Soon it's gay identity was lost & eventually it through an identity change followed by a name change. It was glamorous fun while it lasted.