PITTSBURG, Kan. — After being on the market for two and a half years, The Dirty Mule building, located at 134 US-69, has been sold to new owners. But the establishment will no longer be a bar and dance hall.
“Honestly, it feel like it's the end of the era for those in this area,” Owner Tawnya Bach Collins said. “And that's sad, and it breaks my heart.”
Since the building was first constructed in 1980, the space has always been a local watering hole. Throughout the years, the bar has been known for its live musical performances and as a place for patrons to dance. Business names included Billy Bob’s, Pa Pa’s, Twisters, Lightning Creek and Banjos. For the past six and a half years, it has been known as The Dirty Mule.
The bar’s final night is June 27.
Collins said she chose to sell the building in order to spend more time with her family.
“I wanted to sell for four reasons: My son Dominik, my son Leif, my son Garrett and myself,” she said.
The building was purchased by Sean and Cathy Merchant, of Georgia, who are leasing it to Andrew Schwartz, owner of Haven Support Services, a company that assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Swartz said he will renovate the space and use it to host Special Olympic events and gatherings. He said he will map out specific plans for the building after they close on the property on July 2.
Some of the renovations will include adding handicapped accessible bathrooms and showers and creating a small gym area for Haven clients. They will keep the dance floor intact and use it for Special Olympics dances.
“Just wanting to make it a really nice place for everyone to enjoy,” Schwartz said in a message. I look forward to making it into something different and awesome for us [Haven].”
Although Collins is sad the building will no longer be a bar and music hall, she said she is glad that the space will be used for a great cause and company.
Patrons can still visit The Dirty Mule Wednesday through Saturday this week and next. Collins said that next week they will serve drinks only, as the kitchen will be closed. They will have FIFA games playing on the megascreen on June 18, 19, 24, 25, and 27. An ‘80s Dance Party will take place Saturday, June 20, starting at 8 p.m. On Friday, June 26, the Dirty Mule will host its final Country Dance Night at 8 p.m., and after the FIFA game on Saturday, June 27, the bar with have its final Latin Night with DJ Puko.
“This place has been more than just a business to me — it’s been my heart and soul,” Collins wrote in a social media post. “I’ve been a proud supporter of live music, bringing in bands that shook the walls, hosting dance classes, wild midget wrestling nights, and serving up countless meals and drinks made with love. Every laugh, every cheer, every late-night conversation has meant the world to me.”
Collins thanked her loyal customers and staff for their dedication.
“It's been an adventure,” Collins said. “Something I didn’t quite know what I was getting myself into, but it's been a lot of fun.”
This reporting is made possible, in part, by the Support Local Journalism Project Fund. Learn more at: southeastkansas.org/Localnews.
