Minnesota is losing another long-running comedy venue.
Goonie’s Comedy Club in Rochester announced Thursday that it has gone out of business after being unable to come to terms with its landlord.
“This is not the way we wanted to go out as we were entering our 20th year, but rising costs are no joke,” owners Mark and Jasmine Klampe posted on Facebook. “We’ve always done our best to provide quality entertainment at an affordable price and we are no longer able to do that.”
Goonie’s has survived temporary shutdowns and relocations in the past. But the current incarnation at 1625 Broadway Av. S. appears to be its last.
“It’s been an honor to be a comedy staple in Southeastern MN for as long as we have,” the Klampes wrote. ”Please keep supporting live comedy! It will always be the best medicine.”
In its nearly two-decade run, Goonie’s hosted its fair share of national headliners, including Hannibal Buress, Doug Stanhope and Dusty Slay. But it relied mostly on Minnesota comics hungry for stage time at a talent-friendly venue.
Many of those stand-ups, including Adrian Washington, Jesse Ellis and Bryan Miller, shared their condolences on social media.
“Sorry to hear this, darling,” Twin Cities-based comedian Shannan Paul wrote on Facebook. “You created a wonderful space for your audiences. Thank you for everything.”
