Thundercat Lounge in Phoenix has closed. What to know

Thundercat Lounge, the downtown Phoenix retro nightclub steeped in '80s and '90s vibes, has permanently closed after less than a year in business.

A notice posted to Thundercat Lounge’s website on Tuesday announced the closure. The nightclub’s final night in operation was on Saturday.

According to a statement posted on Instagram by Thundercat Lounge co-owners Jeremiah Gratza and Jacob Wiedmann, the nightclub closed due to “setbacks beyond our control” that delayed the construction of a basement karaoke room inspired by “Blade Runner.” Inflation was also a factor.

“It has not been an easy run for us, and coupled with inflation, 2024 has been a challenging year for restaurants, bars and concerts in general,” the statement read. “We have all seen countless restaurants and bars that we love close this year. Sadly, we are now one of them.”

Sharing a ‘love of the ’80s with others’

Thundercat Lounge debuted in January after nearly two years of planning. The 3,000-square-foot nightspot located at 747 W. Van Buren St. boasted a retro atmosphere and décor inspired by '80s and '90s pop culture.

The restrooms incorporated the vibrant aesthetics of "Saved by the Bell" and "Pee-wee's Playhouse." The neon-drenched main room featured an '80s mall food court vibe, mirrored ceilings and prints by legendary artist Patrick Nagel. The nightclub’s name itself was a homage to the '80s cartoon "Thundercats."

(Thundercat Lounge’s old-school influences didn’t end there. The nightclub’s property was designed by architect Orville A. Bell in 1938 and is one the few remaining freestanding Art Deco buildings in Phoenix.)

Gratza told New Times before Thundercat Lounge’s opening that opening an '80s-themed nightclub was a longtime dream that he and Wiedmann made a reality.

“I’m totally an '80s kid who grew up playing video games, watching movies on VHS and going to the mall,” Gratza told New Times. “I’m just sharing my love of the '80s with others.”

Despite its retro aesthetic, Thundercat Lounge regularly featured tastemaking and up-and-coming DJs and electronic music producers on its stage, which boasted a 20,000-watt PK Sound system and an LED video wall. Artists who performed during the lounge’s brief run included Com Truise, Hot Chip, Lumasi, WonkyWilla and Slow Magic.

Upcoming Thundercat Lounge events moved

According to their statement, Gratza and Wiedmann will now focus on their families and Thunderbird Lounge, the popular Melrose District bar the pair co-own.

All events originally scheduled for the Thundercat Lounge in December and beyond have been moved to the Thunderbird Lounge.

“Those who were excited about Thundercat Lounge's December events will still have something to look forward to as they will be moved to Thunderbird Lounge,” Gratza and Wiedmann stated. “We expect to see you there for a drink or two. So long, and thanks for all the fish.”