Pride Holdings Group Acquires Austin's Top LGBTQ+ Bar Cheer Up Charlie's in Major Expansion Move
October 22nd, 2025 1:00 PM
By: Newsworthy Staff
Pride Holdings Group's acquisition of Cheer Up Charlie's represents a strategic expansion in LGBTQ+ hospitality while preserving the iconic bar's community-driven identity and enabling Texas-wide growth.

Pride Holdings Group, trading as OTC: PHSE, has completed the acquisition of Cheer Up Charlie's, Austin's top-ranked LGBTQ+ bar for the past 15 years. This strategic move represents a significant milestone in the company's national expansion strategy within the LGBTQ+ hospitality and entertainment sector. The acquisition positions Pride Holdings as a growing force in preserving and expanding culturally significant LGBTQ+ spaces across the United States.
Cheer Up Charlie's has maintained its position as Austin's premier LGBTQ+ nightlife venue, serving as a cornerstone of the city's cultural and entertainment landscape. The bar's reputation for vibrant community engagement, inclusive atmosphere, and trendsetting nightlife made it an attractive acquisition target for Pride Holdings Group's expanding portfolio of LGBTQ+ brands. Founders Tamara and Maggie will remain in leadership positions to ensure continuity and preserve the establishment's authentic community-driven identity during the transition period.
Maggie Lea expressed enthusiasm about joining the Pride Holdings family, stating that the partnership provides the long-term stability and financial backing the establishment has sought while aligning with their community mission. The transition is expected to strengthen support for the diverse community of artists, nightlife performers, live musicians, and audiences that define Cheer Up Charlie's unique character. Additional information about the company's vision and operations can be found at https://www.prideholdingsgroup.com.
Mike Barrett, CEO of Pride Holdings Group, emphasized that Cheer Up Charlie's represents more than just a business acquisition, describing it as a symbol of community, resilience, and celebration. The company aims to honor the bar's legacy while providing resources for growth and expanded visibility. This acquisition aligns with Pride Holdings' broader strategy of elevating LGBTQ+ spaces to new levels of impact and profitability while maintaining their cultural significance.
The acquisition serves as the foundation for Pride Holdings' Texas expansion strategy, with plans to establish additional locations in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio within the next 24 months. This regional growth initiative demonstrates the company's commitment to building a comprehensive network of LGBTQ+ entertainment destinations while creating sustainable value for stakeholders. The strategic expansion into major Texas markets represents a significant opportunity for increased market penetration and community impact.
Pride Holdings Group positions itself as a premier LGBTQ+ hospitality and cultural organization, focusing on acquiring high-value properties while developing technology-enabled membership platforms and new revenue channels through agency services. The company's approach combines business growth with cultural preservation, aiming to set global standards for inclusive hospitality while delivering sustainable growth to shareholders. This acquisition model demonstrates how corporate expansion can coexist with community preservation in the LGBTQ+ entertainment sector.
Source Statement
This news article relied primarily on a press release disributed by NewMediaWire. You can read the source press release here,
