Help Keep Nick-a-Nees Alive — A Message From the Staff Who Call It Home

If you’ve ever walked through the doors of Nick-a-Nees, you know it’s never been just another bar.

It’s a place where strangers become friends, where musicians have a stage to share their music, where familiar faces greet you when you walk in, and where, no matter what’s going on in the world outside, you can always find a little sense of belonging.

For many of us who work here, Nick-a-Nees isn’t just where we collect a paycheck. It’s a second home. We’ve spent years behind this bar, getting to know you, celebrating your milestones, listening to your stories, and sharing plenty of our own.

And right now, we’re scared of losing something that means so much to so many people.

Like countless small businesses, Nick-a-Nees has been struggling to keep up with the rising cost of simply keeping its doors open.

Over the past year, property tax increases have caused our rent to rise significantly. Add in the increasing costs of utilities, supplies, and everything else that goes into running a small neighborhood bar, and the financial pressure has become overwhelming.

One thing Nick-a-Nees has always believed in is keeping this place accessible to everyone.

Affordable drinks. Live music without a cover charge. A welcoming place where you don’t have to spend a fortune just to enjoy an evening out.

We’ve tried incredibly hard to protect those things, even as the cost of doing business continues to climb.

Behind the scenes, we’ve been doing everything we can think of to help. As a staff, we’re constantly brainstorming, planning events, coming up with promotions, and looking for ways to bring more people through the doors.

Because none of us wants to imagine Providence without Nick-a-Nees.

But despite everyone’s efforts, we’re at a point where we need some help.

On December 1, our liquor license renewal comes due, bringing another major expense at a time when we’re already struggling to stay afloat.

We’re hoping to raise $30,000 to help cover critical expenses, get us through the holiday season, and give Nick-a-Nees some much-needed breathing room while we figure out what the future looks like.

We want to be completely honest. We don’t know what the beginning of next year will bring. We can’t promise that this fundraiser will solve every financial challenge we’re facing.

But we do know that we’re not ready to give up on this place.

And we know we’re not the only ones who feel that way.

Think about all the nights spent listening to incredible local musicians. The friendships that started over a beer. The birthdays, the celebrations, the conversations, the laughter, and even the difficult days when you just needed somewhere familiar to go.

Those are the things that make Nick-a-Nees special.

And those are the things we’re fighting for.

We’ve spent years being here for our community. Right now, we’re asking our community to be here for us.

We’re not asking anyone to solve all of our problems.

We’re asking for a little time.

Time to get through the holidays. Time to catch our breath. Time to regroup and figure out how we can keep this place going.

If Nick-a-Nees has ever been part of your story, and you’re in a position to help, please consider donating. Whether it’s $5, $20, $100, or simply sharing this fundraiser with someone who loves this place, every bit of support matters.

And if you can’t donate, please keep showing up. Come listen to some music. Bring a friend. Support the musicians who make this place what it is.

Because at the end of the day, Nick-a-Nees has never just been about the building, the bar, or the business.

It’s always been about the people.

And from those of us who have had the privilege of being on the other side of that bar, we want you to know how much you’ve meant to us.

Thank you for every shift you’ve made better, every story you’ve shared, every song you’ve sung along to, and every memory we’ve made together.

We’re hoping this isn’t the end of the story.

With love, gratitude, and a whole lot of hope,

The Staff of Nick-a-Nees ❤️