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Some Eugene establishments are shutting down Friday to join a national protest and strike against federal immigration operations. Other small businesses say they can’t afford to close but are participating in other ways.
As Lane County activists gear up for a nationwide strike Friday, a few local businesses are showing their support, from shutting down for the day to offering demonstrators free drinks.
In lieu of work, school and shopping, protests will take place across the country in a “National Day of Action,” as activists continue demanding no new funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Party Bar, a restaurant in downtown Eugene, announced on Instagram it was closing Friday.
“Party team has unanimously voted to shut it down this Friday for the Nationwide Strike- no business as usual!” the post read. “ICE OUT EVERYWHERE”.
Noisette Pastry Kitchen, a European cafe and bakery just down the street from Party Bar, will also be closed on Friday, according to an Instagram story.
Arable Brewing Co. also shared its support for Friday’s “ICE Out” movement but stated that “closing our doors isn’t a realistic option.”
“We stand with those who have been harmed, displaced, and lost during these painful times,” the Eugene brewing company said on Instagram. “Because this movement was never meant to hurt small businesses like ours, we’re choosing to show our support while staying open, in ways that center community, care, and survival.”
High Street Tonics owners Cheri and Ian Hammons debated whether to close their nonalcoholic bar and bottle shop Friday, but the couple decided against it, opting instead to keep whistles wet for their customers and anyone protesting federal immigration operations.
“If our main mission is to bring people together, it’s only going to hurt us and them — our customers — if we close,” Cheri Hammons said.
A Beer Club in Eugene will also keep its craft beer bar open Friday as a “safe space, gathering point, and hub for like-minded people,” according to an Instagram post. The bar added that, in an effort to still impact the national economy, it will only accept cash.
More establishments join Friday shutdown
Equiano Coffee, a family-owned coffee roaster and tasting room in Eugene, announced it will be closed Friday for the national strike.
Poppi’s Greek Taverna in Eugene will also be closed for the day, stating on Instagram, “Sorry for any inconvenience, but we feel we must stand with our communities.”
Reality Kitchen, a Eugene-based nonprofit, will participate in the shutdown by closing for the day as well.
Patrons won’t be able to grab a grilled cheese or cheese curds from Cozmic Charlie on Friday: The cheese shack will shut off its deep fryer and griddle “in solidarity with MN and with the National Shutdown protest,” per an Instagram post.
‘A drink on Batman’
Cheri Hammons of High Street Tonics said she felt “paralyzed” the day Alex Pretti, a Minnesotan and intensive care nurse, was shot multiple times and killed by federal agents Jan. 24 during a protest against immigration operations in the Twin Cities.
“It’s impossible to witness murder in real time over and over again and pretend it’s business as usual,” she said. “There’s also the feeling of helplessness.”
She was wracking her brain that Saturday while opening High Street Tonics, wondering how she could support people doing what she called “the real work: putting their voices and bodies on the line.”
Then her first customer walked in. He had purchased from the bottle shop before, but that day, he was lamenting over having to leave Eugene for a trip and miss protests happening downtown in the wake of Pretti’s death.
The customer offered to pay it forward, buying a free drink for the next 10 anti-ICE demonstrators who came in.
“There are many ways to participate in a movement, no matter what the movement is,” Hammons said. “This is the one that makes the most sense for us.”
The patron asked to remain anonymous but called himself “Batman.” The Hammons are relying on the honor system: Demonstrators don’t need to prove their participation with a sign or picture. They just need to say they’re here for a drink on Batman.
Cheri Hammons said Batman’s donation could be the start of a permanent pay-it-forward program, whereby patrons can honor teachers, nurses and other community members of their choice with a free drink.
High Street Tonics opened its brick-and-mortar location in 2023. The Hammons make their own tonics and bitters and offer a curated selection of spirits, craft beers, wines and canned cocktails — all alcohol-free.
“I’ve got customers celebrating how long they’ve been sober since we opened,” Cheri Hammons said. “It’s not just been about selling products and making money. It’s about that community aspect. It’s the driving force.”
