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Sanctuary Pub closes in Iowa City after 52 years
Jan. 9, 2025 5:45 am, Updated: Jan. 10, 2025 2:16 pm
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IOWA CITY — A longtime fixture in Iowa City has closed after 52 years in business.
Sanctuary Pub, first opened in 1972, closed in December, according to a Little Village report. The space at 405 S. Gilbert St. was known for its intimate performances and literary events as well as its pizza, burgers and wide selection of beers on tap.
Sanctuary Pub did not make any advance announcements about its plans to close on social media.
The fixture changed hands in 2017 as former longtime owner Daryl Woodson announced his retirement after 43 years at the pub, passing the baton to Aaron Jennings and Dave Stein, co-owners of Mickey’s Irish Pub and Grill. In the years since then, the business has changed hands to other owners.
The building is now for lease, according to building owner Tracy Barklow’s new signage in the space.
Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.
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