In a significant shake-up of Seattle's LGBTQIA+ nightlife, Capitol Hill's iconic Cuff Complex was sold on March 28. This change arrives amid growing calls within the community for fresh ideas and programming in the neighborhood's Queer venues.

Joey Burgess, owner of Queer/Bar and The Woods, who purchased The Cuff in 2020, confirmed the sale, marking the end of his ownership era. Burgess originally took over with the promise to restore the club to Queer ownership and preserve its historic legacy, emphasizing The Cuff's roots as a space dedicated to leather, kink, and masculine energy.

"It has been a privilege to own Cuff Complex, and we are proud to have kept it thriving through the pandemic and beyond. As all good things must come to an end, we are pleased to pass the reins to Scott Walent and his talented team, confident that they will usher in an exciting new era for the Cuff Complex. After years of hard work and dedication, our team looks forward to taking a well-deserved break and focusing on new projects and goals ahead. We can't wait for Scott to lead The Cuff into its 32nd year and beyond," Burgess told the SGN.

However, over recent years, concerns have emerged within the community regarding repetitive event programming across Capitol Hill's LGBTQIA+ bars—including The Cuff. In a recent SGN article, I highlighted that the nightlife scene has increasingly fallen into predictable patterns, with a small group of programmers dominating venue bookings and leaving limited room for innovation and diversity.

The sale of The Cuff presents both uncertainty and opportunity. Regular patrons and longtime community members are hopeful that new owner Scott Walent and his team will embrace fresh concepts, broaden the range of events offered, and actively involve new programmers and performers. Capitol Hill's LGBTQIA+ nightlife desperately needs an injection of creative energy to remain vibrant and inclusive for all community members, particularly as cultural interests continue to diversify.

Originally founded in 1993 by Tim F. and Scott R., The Cuff quickly became a cornerstone of Seattle's Queer culture, renowned for its unapologetic embrace of leather and fetish communities. Over decades, the bar expanded to include a restaurant, dance floor, and a beloved outdoor patio—becoming a crucial community hub.

As I continue investigating further details on the new plans for The Cuff, the essential question remains: Will this change usher in a more dynamic, inclusive, and innovative nightlife experience, or will familiar patterns persist?

UPDATE (March 29, 4:08 p.m.)
In a statement to the SGN, new owner Scott Walent shared his enthusiasm—and sense of responsibility—for taking over The Cuff Complex:

"It is a true honor to take over such a well-cherished venue such as The Cuff Complex. We recognize that some businesses truly become the backbone of a neighborhood, and we sincerely hope they continue to thrive for generations to come.

"We understand the weight of this responsibility and are committed to honoring the legacy of the previous owners, who so wonderfully navigated The Cuff Complex through the past five years. We plan to maintain many of the values and traditions that have made The Cuff such a vital part of our community while infusing new vibes and programming into the calendar. We share the community's excitement about the next chapter of The Cuff Complex and are absolutely thrilled to carry it forward."

Capitol Hill nightlife lovers, buckle up: It sounds like The Cuff is ready to break out the polish—and maybe a little glitter—to freshen up those leather boots. Stay tuned!