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Dunham’s Bar & Restaurant in West St. Paul is closing. The family-owned business was bought out by the neighboring Lohmann Therapy Systems (LTS)—formerly Tapemark. Dunham’s last day of operation will be August 25, 2024. They have a closing party planned for August 24 to celebrate their 40th anniversary, with more details to come.
Dunham’s History
Dunham’s first opened in November of 1984 by the current owner, Gloria Dunham, and her husband, Lenny T. Dunham. It has been going strong for 40 years since, even surviving the COVID-19 shutdown.
“Our customers are loyal, and the community has been so great,” said Gloria Dunham. “Me and my husband worked there many years to get that place to where it is. And I worked long hours cooking when we first opened, bartending and waitressing, and if the night crew to clean didn’t show up, we had to clean. So we worked long, hard hours there, and we made a very family-oriented place for people to come with their children. Women came in there, and they weren’t afraid to come into our bar.”
In addition to being a well-loved restaurant and bar, Dunham’s has also been a community staple for gatherings and fundraisers.
“It was really hard because people were calling to book, you know, parties and this and that,” said Dunham, “and at the time, we just couldn’t tell them.”
Reasons for Selling
“I don’t want people thinking we’re closing because of lack of business,” said Dunham. “In fact, we’re doing very well this year. Actually, I’m just retiring.”
As for it happening now, Dunham said it had a lot to do with timing. “LTS came and talked to me. They gave me an offer which was very hard to turn down,” she said. “I’m up in age. I’m 83 years old, and my husband passed away a couple years ago, and he said, ‘Gloria. When a time is right, sell it.’”
The Future of Dunham’s
LTS acquired the land for “future development,” according to Cheryl Fink, a manager at Dunham’s.
“I’m not sure what their intents are,” said Fink. “It’d all be hearsay, we’re not positive.”
However, she was able to confirm that the location would no longer be used for its current purposes. “It’s not going to be Dunham’s,” said Fink, “And it’s not going to be a bar-restaurant.”
Closing Party
To celebrate Dunham’s longevity, the staff at the restaurant have decided to host a celebration that would double as their going away party and their final anniversary celebration. It will happen the day before they close their doors on August 24, 2024. More details will be released on the Dunham’s Facebook page as they are decided.
“I’m feeling bad, but it’s time that we just close the doors,” said Dunham.
Sept. 19, 2024 Update: Sale Fell Through
We have confirmed that the sale of Dunham’s fell through. Gloria Dunham and LTS have no comment at this time. There are parties interested in the property and we’ll share news of a pending sale when it’s announced. Dunham’s does remain closed.
This story was written by our intern while we were on vacation. A paid intern who can jump on a breaking story while we’re on vacation? That’s possible thanks to the generous support of our members—thank you!
