The Globe Bar & Kitchen changes concept, expands menu
As the coronavirus pandemic has forced nightclubs to close and restricted how restaurants operate, one Spokane establishment has found a way to adapt.
The Globe Bar & Kitchen, at 204 N. Division St,. has changed its concept from bar and nightclub to an all-inclusive, LGBTQ-friendly restaurant.
The new concept allows the Globe to remain in business while providing a safe dining experience for patrons during the COVID-19 outbreak, owner Scott Wilburn said.
“Operating with the new concept has worked really well,” Wilburn said. “Our current clientele has really embraced it. They are coming in regularly and enjoying the food, and we still have our signature cocktails.”
Prior to the pandemic, the Globe served food, but generated a large amount of revenue from alcohol sales after 10 p.m. If the Globe didn’t pivot to a new concept, “revenue would have been next to nothing” under current coronavirus-related restrictions requiring that alcohol service end at 10 p.m., Wilburn said.
The Globe’s shift from nightclub to all-inclusive dining establishment is also about expanding its reach to the LGBTQ community, Wilburn said.
The Globe is adjacent to The Blind Buck, a gay bar also owned by Wilburn. The two establishments, which share a kitchen, have expanded their food menus, including a brunch offering.
The Blind Buck will provide a speak-easy-style atmosphere with craft cocktails. The Globe is launching a new fall menu next week that includes Thai-inspired dishes and pub fare such as burgers, onion rings, buffalo macaroni and cheese, and a steak dinner, Wilburn said.
The Globe also has added the capability to livestream drag shows and music performances conducted from a separate area of the building to the establishment’s televisions in real time, Wilburn said.
The business underwent some exterior changes with a new rainbow mural of the Spokane skyline and outdoor patio seating, which has been popular among patrons, Wilburn said.
The Globe currently is open 4-10 p.m. daily. Beginning Monday, the restaurant will be open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.