The year was 1980, and Leonard Lippert opened the Hayloft Saloon. Leonard's boyfriend Eddie had wanted Leonard to open a bar, so he did. Leonard, who had been a life long employee of Manufacturer's Bank in Detroit, had just retired at age 63. The Hayloft was modeled after the Silver Star Bar in Detroit just down the street.
A lot took place during Leonard's tenure as the owner. His boyfriend Eddie was manager and also bartended. Terry, Jerry Stone, Bob Spires, George Merrill and a host of other Detroit bartender legends helped shape the Hayloft over the next 16 years. Casey Cooper was one of the first parking lot guards and was so popular with customers that when he was of age he graduated to bar tending.
The Hayloft has had more than a few "nick-names" throughout the years: “The Grayloft”, “God's Waiting Room”, “Daddy’s bar”. Mainly because Mr. Lippert was 63 when he changed the format from a blue collar straight bar to a 35 and up gay bar. It became a bar know to attract an older, more mature crowd. But crowds it did attract!
In 1996, 38 year old Ron Harrington from Traverse City (born & raised in Flint), purchased the Hayloft from Leonard Lippert & is the current owner today. Ron was and is the owner of Side Traxx Video Dance Bar in Traverse City, which he transformed from an aging little tavern called the Depot Bar in 1988. This was the first gay bar in Michigan north of Grand Rapids.
Many friends have come and gone through the Hayloft’s doors. Many more have discovered the friendship and camaraderie that Ron Harrington’s Hayloft Saloon offers. The Hayloft has a very loyal customer base and it is always expanding!
We are proud to announce a new addition to the Hayloft, Sports & Video Bar offering Karaoke, pool, darts internet juke box & now 6 - 42" HD LCD with all the bells & whistles! We will feature music videos during happy hour as well as all sports all the time. Multiple big screens means multiple games! We look forward to seeing old friends & making some new ones!
The rest as they say is history.
Ron Harrington’s Hayloft Saloon in Detroit is THE PLACE FOR FUN! For over 29 years The Hayloft has been successfully serving the GLBT community.
Daily Specials and Weekly Special Events insure that something FUN is always happening at The Hayloft!
Darts, Pool, a world class Internet Jukebox, four LCD screen televisions plus friendly and attentive bartenders are at YOUR service!
ALWAYS A GAME ON OUR SCREENS!
NEVER A COVER! ALWAYS A BLAST!
