A GoFundMe set up for The Dakota East Side Ice House has pulled in more than $9,000 as it seeks to raise the $16,000 needed to keep the beloved San Antonio hangout open.
Dakota regular April Pantheress Winn organized the effort on behalf of owner Kent Oliver, who late last month revealed he wouldn’t renew his lease and expected to permanently close on Sunday, Aug. 9. After that, the community rallied behind the establishment.
“Kent is a great guy — he’s too proud to ask for help, but he agreed to let us move forward with this fundraiser,” Winn wrote in the GoFundMe’s description.
Oliver, who is now listed as a co-organizer, also confirmed his endorsement of the fundraiser in online comments added June 30. He added that he’s “speechless” about the outpouring of community support.
The Dakota, located at 433 S. Hackberry St., has been in business since 2018, when Oliver took a chance on an underserved neighborhood near the Alamodome after serving as director of operations at Rio San Antonio Cruises. Since then, the spot has emerged as one of the city’s most accepting and LGBTQ+-friendly watering holes — a place where all are welcome.
Indeed, an iconic sign on the ice house’s exterior wall reads, “Just BE NICE, Dammit!”
“Kent has poured his heart into Dakota, welcoming customers from every background, genre of music, religion and walk of life. The sign at the door says it all, and everyone who enters feels that open, respectful vibe,” the GoFundMe description reads.
Over the years, the neighborhood bar has hosted events including jam sessions, political rallies, poetry slams, belly dancers, karaoke, soccer watch parties, fundraisers and more.
It also offers a menu of hearty pub food, including pizzas, sandwiches, tacos and its popular pork queso.
The GoFundMe donations reflect the business’ importance to community members from all walks of life, and range from $5 to a $1,000 anonymous gift. Thanks to a separate in-person fundraiser last week, the Dakota was able to make necessary repairs to its air conditioner, Winn posted two days ago.
The ice house is set to host a series of fundraiser events throughout the rest of July, according to a comment Winn shared over the weekend. Oliver is expected to post a schedule of events soon, she added.
“We will continue to complete this journey to keep the doors open,” Winn said.
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