Yuks Yuks Closed at Fort Garry Hotel

It was mentioned in and speculated on in social media about Yuk Yuk's. The question was: Are they taking a summer break or actually closed. The answer was that it was closed. This is the second time Yuk Yuk's has opened and closed in Winnipeg. In my mind, the innovative Fort Garry Hotel was a good choice and the hall and the building was an incredible place to make it happen.

Alas, even as it closed, some people said they were surprised it was even here. Some said they didn't know it was open in the first place. The audience for comedy is huge in Winnipeg. There are two major comedy festivals and one of the longest running comedy clubs in Rumors that call the city home. There are secondary comedy clubs as well such as the Basement Speakeasy in St. James.

In the 1980s and early 1990s Winnipeg had three comedy clubs including Yuk Yuks in the Osborne Village. It was a hey day for sure but many comedy clubs did not survive here and across North America. In many respects, places like Winnipeg, Montreal and Halifax have been lucky because of comedy festivals and the television and radio specials they generate. The fan base is primed and ready for comedians who tour thereafter.

In terms of the Outdoor Comedy Festival, Winnipeg is one of only six locations in Canada that are host cities. It routinely attracts the best. But big comedians don't become big until they tour smaller venues as the wall of fame at Rumors. And before Rumors, comedians need to hone their skills in other venues such as the Basement or Yuk Yuks. 

The Fort Garry is up for sale once again after a failed attempt 10 years ago. By all accounts, owners are still investing and doing it right for operations but it is a locally owned business. If no one is taking it over, it is best to sell. Trying to make sure the newest operation of a comedy club would work might not have been in the cards. Using social media can be hit and miss. And hoping people come to your website is not always a recipe for success.

Yuk Yuk's Toronto management has said they will look for other opportunities in Winnipeg. It is possible another hotel might look at taking a shot at being the venue. Might be that downtown can make a go of it but then take a look at Rumors. They have called Tuxedo home for a very long time. Perhaps a Yuk Yuks might succeed in a place like St. James or Seasons. 

We should take comfort in knowing there are still business people opening restaurants, bookstores and convenience stores in Winnipeg. Yuk Yuk's could be here again but I expect a lot of thought will go into a possible venue. Maybe the old Tavern across from the arena?