The SunTrapp set to reopen under new ownership and slightly new name
May 31, 2024, 3:02 PM | Updated: 8:58 pm
The SunTrapp is set to reopen in June. (Google Maps)
(Google Maps)
SALT LAKE CITY — The SunTrapp, an iconic and historic gay bar in Salt Lake City, is reopening under new ownership and a slightly different name.
The bar closed in January without explanation and later surrendered its liquor license.
Its accountant, Mary Peterson, saw how important the SunTrapp was to her daughter and the entire LGBTQ+ community.
Related: Utah Pride Center makes changes to reinvigorate festival after tumult of 2023
“I just felt like it would be such a shame for something that has been in the community for so long to be closed.”
She took over the lease and started a new business at the same location, with a slightly different name. Now, there’s no space between the words “Sun” and “Trapp.”
With prior knowledge of the bar’s financials and knowing what it needed to comply with the state’s liquor laws, Peterson got to work and obtained a new liquor license.
The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services awarded the license on Thursday.
While the revamped version of the SunTrapp won’t be open in time for the Pride Festival, Peterson expects to be able to open by the following weekend.
“June is Pride month and we really wanted to get open as quickly as possible in June so that we could celebrate Pride and have that space back for the community,” Peterson said.
