By Cindy Peterson
The Dog House in Tavares to Permanently Close Its Doors on Tuesday
After four years as a popular sports bar in the community, The Dog House in Tavares has announced it will permanently close on Tuesday, April 1.
In a message posted to social media, owners Tammy and Chris shared the news, stating, “It is with an absolute broken heart that we share … the doors of the Dog House will be permanently closed on Tuesday 4/1.” They noted the decision was not made lightly, adding, “Many of you know the challenges we have faced, it is simply just time.”
Since opening, The Dog House became known for being more than just a bar. The venue served as a gathering place for birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, baby showers, weddings, graduations, gender reveals, and other milestone events. It also hosted a wide range of community-driven activities, including bingo, poker nights, crafting sessions, karaoke, wine strolls, and micro-wrestling. Live music played a central role, with local talent regularly featured.
The message extended special appreciation to the venue’s regular patrons, many of whom donated memorabilia to decorate the walls and became a daily presence. “You kept us going and shared your lives with us pretty much every day,” the post read.
The owners also expressed pride in their community involvement, highlighting support for various charities, schools, teams, clubs, rescues, and artists. “We feel that we put 💯 into it to make it more than just a bar & we know as we look around at all the extras brought to us by all of you….. that together, we really did build a community venue.”
Speculation has been circulating about the reasons as to why the sudden news, with some taking to social media that the landlord, who lives in South Florida, has not renewed the lease. As of this story, we have not been able to make contact to confirm that reason. Fellow tenants David and Hilary Perry, who also lease the building from the same landlord, said they just found out about the closure as well.
Tammy and Chris invite the community to join them for one final week of celebration at The Dog House. “If you’re up for it, plz ‘come play with us’ as we plan to celebrate all the amazing activities about our home one last time this week,” they wrote.
Additional details about the week’s closing events are available on The Dog House’s Facebook page.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
