Save the Red Dog Inn: A Half a Century-Old Alaskan Legend

Save the Red Dog Inn: An Old Alaskan Legend

Dear friends, supporters, and lovers of Alaskan history,

For over 50 years, the Red Dog Inn in Naknek, Alaska, has been the heartbeat of our community. This legendary bar, nestled in the heart of Bristol Bay, is more than a place to grab a drink—it’s a haven for fishermen, locals, and travelers alike. It’s where stories of long days on the water are shared, where friendships are forged, and where the spirit of Naknek thrives. From hosting community events to supporting the fishing industry that drives our economy, the Red Dog Inn is a cornerstone of our town’s identity.

But now, this historic landmark is under attack. A small group of local opponents, pushing to replace the bar, they have resorted to underhanded tactics to shut it down. They’ve targeted the Red Dog Inn’s liquor license, threatening to erase a half-century of memories. My dear friend, Mellisa Davis, who has poured her heart and soul into keeping this bar alive, just learned at a recent local council meeting that they’re trying to seal her fate. She’s devastated, fighting back tears, but she’s too proud to ask for help. That’s why I’m stepping in.

I’ve been fishing these waters for over 39 years, long before I could even step foot in the Red Dog Inn. As a lifelong member of Naknek’s fishing community, I’ve seen how this bar has been a gathering place for folks like me—hardworking people who rely on it as a refuge after grueling days at sea. Now, I’m watching my friend face a costly legal battle to save this iconic place, and I can’t stand by and do nothing.

We’re launching this GoFundMe to raise $100,000 to cover legal fees, operational costs, and efforts to preserve the Red Dog Inn’s legacy. Every dollar will help fight for the bar’s liquor license and keep its doors open for future generations. Losing the Red Dog Inn would mean losing a piece of Naknek’s soul—a place where our community’s stories, laughter, and resilience live on.

I’m writing this from a stool at the bar, watching my friend hold it together despite the weight of this fight. She doesn’t know I’m doing this, but I know she needs our support. Please help us save the Red Dog Inn. Your donation, big or small, will make a difference. If you can’t give, sharing this campaign with your friends, family, and fellow Alaskans is just as powerful.

Thank you for standing with us to protect this Alaskan legend.

With gratitude,

Rob Betts

On behalf of Mellisa Davis and the Red Dog Inn