Our History
This page was created with the help of UW-Green Bay's Archives Department and is constantly evolving as new information, photos, and articles are discovered. If you have historical LGBTQ materials, photos, or other items you think we would be interested in, please contact us. We need your help to continue to grow the NE Wisconsin LGBTQ Historical Archives! The materials collected are used for events, classes at UW-Green Bay, and more!
Napalese Lounge and Grille has a rich history in the Green Bay Community and is the second-longest-running gay bar in the state of Wisconsin! Established in 1982 at 515 S. Broadway, we have been serving the LGBTQ community for nearly 40 years. We provide an LGBTQ safe and affirming space, fundraise to support our community, and of course, we offer great service, food, beverages, and the best drag shows in town!
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In 2000, Napalese relocated to its current home at 1351 Cedar Street. When we first moved to this location, vandals would kick open the front door and throw bottle rockets, firecrackers, and trash into the bar. Eventually, these hateful actions became so frequent that the front door was sealed. For nearly two decades, patrons entered the bar from the side door in our parking lot. However, all that changed on August 21st, 2021.
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Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich joined us to unveil our LGBTQ Mural and open our new front door. We are so thankful to the mayor and everyone who helped us usher in this new era of LGBTQ visibility and affirmation. To learn more about our mural unveiling and door opening celebration, check out XYZ
Ownership
Napalese is currently co-owned by Arnold (Butch) Pendergast and his partner Stacy De Sotle. They bought the bar on 12/12/12.
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Napalese Lounge and Grille originally opened in 1982 at 515 S Broadway St. The original owner was Tim Westlund. In 1987, Malcolm Loch became the new owner of Naps. He served as owner until his death in 1997. Soon after, Nancy Garrison and Anne Eiler became the new owners of Napalese.
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In 1999, Napalese was pushed out of their home on S. Broadway. Nancy and Anne remained co-owners until 2008, when Anne became the sole owner of Naps, until 2012.
Drag Shows
We have been hosting fierce drag shows for decades! From monthly shows, to open stage nights, to holiday-themed shows, we provide the best drag entertainment in Green Bay! To find out about our upcoming events, please click here!
Every year, we crown a new Mr. and Mrs. Napalese. Our 2019/2020 Mr. and Mrs. Napalese are Caleb Ashton and Tammi Truckstop! We will be adding the past winners and photos shortly!
LGBTQ Mural
On August 21st, 2021 Napalese unveiled a new LGBTQ Mural. This mural is a first for Green Bay and had the support of the Green Bay Mayor's Office, the Green Bay Packers, Dave & Busters, the Canary Fund, and more!
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This fantastic piece was created on Napalese by Lochue Lo, a local queer artist of color. Check out this incredible video about the artist!
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What began as an idea for a mural, exploded into A Weekend of Pride held from August 20th - 22nd. Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich joined us and thousands of others to unveil the mural and open a new front door at Napalese.
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To learn more about the history of the mural, why the artist chose his design, A Weekend of Pride, click the button below.