Rochester’s oldest gay-owned bar temporarily closes its doors as plans move forward for a more inclusive rebranding

Rochester, New York – Rochester’s nightlife marked a bittersweet moment this week as the city’s oldest gay-owned and operated bar closed its doors, at least temporarily, signaling the end of a long chapter and the beginning of a new one. On Thursday night, longtime patrons and first-time visitors alike gathered on University Avenue for what was described as a final last call at the Bachelor Forum.

For more than five decades, the Bachelor Forum has been a fixture in Rochester’s LGBTQ community, offering a place where people could gather freely, socialize, and feel accepted. Its closing is not permanent, but it carries emotional weight for those who have seen the bar serve as both a social hub and a refuge.

The closure comes as the bar’s owner moves forward with plans to reorganize and rebrand the business. The goal, according to ownership, is to better reflect changing times and to continue offering a safe and welcoming space for the community it has served for generations.

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“So, we want to be inclusive,” said Peter Mohr, owner of the Bachelor Forum. “The Bachelor forum doesn’t sound more inclusive with bachelor being the first word. So rebranding, being more inclusive.” He added, “We’ve been around 53 years welcoming everybody from the straight community to the gay community and everyone in between.”

That long history was evident throughout the night, as stories were shared and memories revisited. Many described the bar as more than just a place to grab a drink. For some, it was where friendships were formed, relationships began, and support was found during difficult moments.

“It’s been like a Cheers to me where I could always see someone I knew, and always knew the bartender for a nice conversation,” said Todd Cornell, 30-year patron of the Bachelor Forum. “I hope to see this place come back even stronger and better, with more energy.”

Cornell’s sentiment echoed through the crowd as people lingered well past their usual departure time, soaking in the familiar surroundings one last time. Laughter mixed with nostalgia, while conversations often turned to hopes for what the bar could become in its next phase.

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Mohr emphasized that the decision to close temporarily was made with the future in mind, not as an ending but as a reset. He said the rebranding effort is intended to ensure the space remains relevant and welcoming to a broader audience while preserving its core mission of inclusivity and safety.

The owner expects the bar to reopen within two to three months, once the reorganization is complete. While details about the new name or design have not yet been released, Mohr says the heart of the establishment will remain the same.

Until then, Rochester’s LGBTQ community is left reflecting on the legacy of a bar that has stood for more than half a century, trusting that when the doors open again, the spirit of the Bachelor Forum will return with renewed purpose.