Rainey Street Bars Unite After Unbarlievable’s Vulgar Comments

After recent revelations of misogynist, racist, and crude comments made by Unbarlievable owner Brandon Cash, Rainey Street bars are banding together to present a united front of tolerance and openness in the entertainment district.

“We didn’t just want to stand by silently and let this blow over,” said Ben Siegel, owner of Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden and co-president of the Rainey Street Business Coalition. “Hate should not be tolerated,” he added.

The group of local bar owners shared an image stating “bars against bigotry" with the accompanying hashtag #allarewelcome. Participating bars include Banger’s, Half Step, Javelina, Lucille, Bridget Dunlap’s Bar 96, Clive Bar, Lustre Pearl, and Container Bar.

“I don’t want one owner of one bar on our street to tarnish the reputation of what we have all worked very hard for,” commented Javelina owner Craig Primozich.

“It was very much a street-wide collective effort,” Siegel said. The group has been in touch with the Rainey Street Neighborhood Association about an additional response.

There will be a press conference in front of Unbarlievable at 1 p.m. on Friday, according to a statement released by North Austin Civic Association member Marcos Mancillas. He wrote, "Members of the Austin community will come together to announce their intention to take action against Unbarlievable." Later that day, there is a planned protest at the same location at 7 p.m.

Cash released a statement apologizing for his actions. He is no longer affiliated with bowling alley Goodnight after the remaining partners bought him out because of the controversy. Eater reached out for further comment, and was told that another statement will be issued today.

• Rainey Street Bar Unbarlievable Is Under Fire for Racist Comments [EATX]