The legendary Nashville club, Douglas Corner Cafe, is permanently closing its doors, after originally shutting down due to COVID-19. The venue’s owner, Mervin Loque, shared the sad news in a video he posted on social media.

“I don’t use Facebook much, but I figure it’s the best way to reach all of you, and the most people,” Mervin said in the video. “I have decided that, after 33 years of doing Douglas Corner, I am not going to reopen the club. This has been a hard decision, and a lot of prayer has gone into it. I came off the road many years ago from doing engineering, and was fortunate enough to open this club.”

Douglas Corner Cafe has welcomed some of Nashville’s biggest performers, when they were then rising stars, including Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Billy Dean, Blake Shelton, John Berry and more. The history of the venue is what made the decision especially hard for Mervin.

“I’m not sure where I’m going next,” Mervin said. “Of course, we’ve had many writers in the rounds, and songwriters who came through here. Many started their careers here, a lot of artists started their careers here, and so I’m very proud of the legacy this place is leaving –– I’m leaving here, I guess I should say. I’m not sure where I’m going next, but I will be around. I’m not leaving Nashville.”

Mervin is married to actress and model Jennifer O’Neill, whom he praised for his support, especially now.

“My wife has been very supportive of me, and we will forge ahead with other things in our life,” Mervin said. “I don’t know what else to say; I’m not good at giving speeches, but I thank you all for your support over the years. I’ve made so many friends, good friends, musicians, regular customers here, and it breaks my heart, but there comes a time when we all need to move on and do other things, and that’s my time now.”

Douglas Corner Cafe opened in 1987.