An ownership search after the co-op effort
The bar announced an immediate "soft closing" on October 26, 2026, according to The New York Times. To avoid closing this winter, it is seeking new owners, co-owners or a buyer for the entire business. Its assets, including furniture, equipment and inventory, have an estimated value of about $70,000.
In the preceding weeks, Last Ditch had announced plans to become a worker-owned cooperative. Two of its three founders had already left, however, and no board had been assembled to oversee the transfer. The bar said it could not continue without that leadership.
Fundraising had brought in $216,000 by the afternoon of October 26, according to the Greenfield Recorder, reaching 144% of a $150,000 goal. That was up from a little more than $9,000 on September 24. The bar designated the money for overdue rent, staff, facilities maintenance and the costs of becoming a cooperative.
"We have put our lives on hold to foster networks of care, resources, and a home base for organizing," the bar wrote in its announcement. "It's time we pass it on."
A community mission and a masking dispute
Housemates Asa Rosario, Jackie Matellian and Sage Territo opened Last Ditch in April 2025 at 10 Fiske Ave. They started the business after learning that other local queer venues were closing, including Northampton's Majestic Saloon and 10 Forward, whose space they took over.
The founders wanted to serve queer people who were often excluded from conventional nightlife. Customers were required to wear KN95 masks or better to accommodate immunocompromised patrons. The venue also welcomed people with little money to spend.
Financial problems preceded the national coverage. In late August, the owners announced that masks would become optional on Saturdays to draw more customers, while remaining mandatory on other nights. Critics accused Last Ditch of abandoning the people its policies were meant to include.
A September meeting about the dispute reportedly grew volatile. Matellian, the only original owner still handling daily operations, described taking on a $50,000 business loan, living in her vehicle and working multiple jobs while trying to keep the venue open.
National coverage and adaptation talks
The dispute drew nationwide attention to the small business and its struggles, prompting debate about disability and public health. The Boston Globe said its article about Last Ditch ranked among the most-read stories it had ever published and brought in many thousands of subscriptions.
The Independent reported that the publicity also attracted Hollywood studios interested in possible television, film and documentary adaptations. According to The Hollywood Reporter, discussions about turning the Globe article into a documentary or drama began in September 2026.
Masking was not the bar's first controversy. After a Greenfield narcotics detective entered the venue in September 2025, Last Ditch announced on September 27 that "cops are not allowed at Last Ditch." The ban raised legal questions because the city charter authorizes police to enforce liquor-license regulations.
Fewer queer gathering spaces
The possible closure follows the loss of several queer gathering places in Massachusetts in recent years. Greenfield's director of community and economic development, Amy Cahillane, commented on Last Ditch's downtown role, saying "it is always a shame to lose a small business."
Nationally, the Lesbian Bar Project estimates that the number of lesbian bars has dropped from about 200 in the 1980s to 34 today. Its founders identify financial difficulties, the growth of dating apps and greater mainstream acceptance of queer people as reasons for those closures.
Booked events will continue
Last Ditch has not announced a final closing date. Previously booked events will go ahead, but the bar is otherwise closed.
The Greenfield Recorder reported that the venue's calendar listed regular Tuesday comedy/open-mic events, Wednesday karaoke and Saturday "Club LD" nights continuing until winter. Its last listed event was karaoke with DJ Kouch on December 31, 2026.
