Downtown Flint restaurant to become gay bar, safe space

FLINT, Mich. (WNEM) – A restaurant in downtown Flint is being transformed into a gay bar and safe space for all members of the community.

Phil Shaltz, the owner of 501 Bar and Grill located at 500 Saginaw Street in downtown Flint, said he and his wife will be turning the business into an LGBTQ bar and nightclub called “The District.” He said it will bolster business and give everyone from all walks of life a place to feel welcome.

“My wife lives in Chelsea, New York. Probably the gay capitol of the United States. Every larger city that is trying to make an impact in the downtown has a safe space for that community and others. And it’s time that we have one here,” Shaltz said.

Shaltz is hoping to tap into a new customer base by creating a safe space for all people.

“Safe space is for everyone within the community, whether you’re gay, lesbian, straight, whatever. We want to give a safe space to that group of people, and all groups of people that maybe not have a space that they feel safe or an atmosphere that they don’t feel comfortable in. And we want to make that for them,” he said.

Shaltz said 501 will also have a full-fledged nightclub and serve food until midnight, maybe later, in downtown Flint’s newest safe space. One side of the restaurant, the “Wiseguy side,” will be changing to a nightclub while the bar side will provide food options for patrons.

“We all have somewhat the same drinks and somewhat the same food to a certain extent. But this is a unique niche I think that is different than anything else that exists in the city, let alone the county, and adjacent counties. And we think there’s a need now, and we’re pretty excited about it,” he said.

Although an official grand opening date has not been set, Shaltz said things are moving quickly and he is hoping to have “The District” up and running by mid-June. He said all current staff at 501 Bar and Grill will remain.

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