Gabby's Country Cabaret, a beloved hot spot in Langley for 34 years, announced this week they will not be able to re-open.
The Fraser Highway nightclub shared the news in a heartfelt announcement, citing the uncertainty that COVID-19 has foisted upon the nightlife industry here in B.C. and around the world.
"This decision is heartbreaking to ownership, our staff, the bands, and we think to all of our patrons and friends who made Gabby’s what it is," says owner Steve Gallagher of the closure.
"With the current world situation, unfortunately, the bar and live music industry are on indefinite hold, and there doesn’t seem to be a time in the near future for when we could reopen and return to Gabby’s under anything close to normal conditions."
Gabby's was known for being a big draw for young people in the region, and the venue offered a place to drink, dance and enjoy live and DJ-ed music, focusing on country and top 40 hits. The nightclub was also used often in film and TV production as a location. Among its prominent recent roles was as the "Whyte Worm" in the show Riverdale.
The nightclub made the news back in late March when Fraser Health contacted Gabby's Country Cabaret to inform them a patron who had recently been to the venue had tested positive for COVID-19. The club's social media posts notifying their guests of the possible exposure have since been deleted.
Here is Gabby's closure announcement from Gallagher in full:
"Today, it is with extreme sadness that we must announce the permanent closing of Gabby’s Country Cabaret at its current location. We were one of, if not THE, longest-running nightclubs in BC, so this decision is heartbreaking to ownership, our staff, the bands, and we think to all of our patrons and friends who made Gabby’s what it is.
With the current world situation, unfortunately, the bar and live music industry are on indefinite hold, and there doesn’t seem to be a time in the near future for when we could reopen and return to Gabby’s under anything close to normal conditions.
We have been so fortunate to be at our current location on Fraser Highway in Langley for the last 34 years, making memories with all of you: our customers, who made Gabby’s what it is and gave it the life that it had. Many relationships began because of Gabby’s. People fell in love, met their new best friend, ran into old friends, partied with their parents, heard their favourite song for the first time, made plans for the future, and had some of the best times of their lives in our one of a kind venue. A place that didn’t take itself too seriously, but had all the character that comes with so many years of history.
We were so lucky that our stage was graced by the immense talent of musicians and artists over the years that started a party like no one else could do. We have had some of the best local, and even world-class talent come out to entertain on our stage. We’ve even had the opportunity to shine on the big (and small) screen in numerous movies and tv shows.
Gabby’s has always been about so much more than just that building; it’s the patrons, staff, music and atmosphere that make Gabby's what it is. We hope that wherever we end up in the future, and we do hold out hope for a new future, that you will follow us.
Thank you all for 34 years of partying with Gabby’s Country Cabaret."
