To some, the popular Money Pennies Eatery and Bar in downtown Calgary is just another gay owned and operated business. To many more, however, it is so much more than that. In the words of owner Lorrie Murphy and her partner and "right arm" Michele Flynn, it is home.

"We are very family oriented, that is why we have been so successful. Our customers make that happen for us." Michele told gaycalgary.com. "This is a home for many of them. They are very protective of us."

Recently celebrating eight years in business, the name Money Pennies is based on the name of James Bond’s secretary. Lorrie wanted something that could easily be shortened.

"We are called MP’s, Pennies, Monies. I like to say ‘People with sense eat and drink at Money-Pennies.’" Lorrie used to be a part owner of another restaurant but had left the city. When she returned she decided to open a restaurant one more time. "That one more time has lasted a long time, and we are looking at a long future in Calgary."

Originally in another location, their lease got yanked in 1998. So Lorrie bought a building to ensure that they wouldn’t have to worry about losing the space again, but both women were quick to mention other advantages.

"The flexibility to be able to create an environment that the customers want, without having to worry about having to move at some point later down the line," Michele said.

"You can do the renovations, and they are yours. You don’t have to worry about losing the money you invest," added Lorrie.

This year, much to Michele’s chagrin, they did renovations. Both joked about how they renovate every three years. The establishment now sports a more rustic atmosphere.

"We decided to take on a country look. We have always wanted a cabin, so we decided to make this our cabin. We wanted it to be comfortable and have that cabin feeling," Lorrie said.

They take great pride in providing quality food for reasonable prices. Soups and other dishes are homemade. Wednesday nights feature the popular 15-cent wings, the chicken breasts are cooked fresh, and they proudly claim that the "Money Pennies Burger" is the best burger in the city. But just as important is keeping everything affordable.

"We keep the prices as low as possible. Everywhere is getting so expensive that we strive to keep things reasonable." Michele told us.

Lorrie chimed in with her thoughts. "I’ve always said if I have to charge nine dollars for a burger, then I don’t have a right to be in the restaurant business."

They also specialize in catering, having done functions for ARGRA, Camp 81, Apollo 13 as well as private functions. Their philosophy with catering is the same as with in-house dining.

"The one thing about us is that, yes you want to make a living at what you do. But there is a difference between making a living and not offering a fair price," said Michele. "With our catering, we offer a quality, but we work within your budget. We had a gentleman say ‘This is what I have to spend’, and he was overwhelmed by the quality and the quantity of the food – so much so that he asked us back for next year. That is the payoff for us, to be able to say ‘wow they really enjoyed that.’"

Having been in the community for a while, both have seen a great deal of positive change in the gay community.

"We have our own stores now!" exclaimed Lorrie. " It used to be you had to go somewhere like San Francisco to get a t-shirt with a pride flag on it. Now places like Priape and the Rainbow Pride Resource Center are here, and they are doing an incredible job. Boyztown hit the nail on the head last month when they said that ‘It’s OK to be gay in a straight place now.’ Calgary is a lot more accepting. We have to keep our community coming to gay establishments, and we do that by providing a comfortable and safe environment."

Michele had her own reflections. "I remember when bar entrances were in back alleys and had no signage. You didn’t see the name proudly displayed, and we had to have bouncers at the door. Now you can walk in off the street, there aren’t bouncers; we can display our flag in front of the bar. People are comfortable coming in, and there is a mix of all kinds of people. We aren’t closeted anymore. You used to never see rainbow stickers on cars, or people holding hands in public. It is a lot more common now. In eight years we have come a long, long way."

They are excited about not just the future of Money Pennies but of Calgary’s growing LGBT community.

"It’s growing and building. We will see more stores opening. I don’t know if there will be more bars. Managing and owning a bar is hard work, long hours seven days a week," Lorrie wants the community to continue to support gay business. "Show the bars your support because they are working hard and they help the community, making donations and giving prizes. Support gay establishments because they are the backbone of the community."

Michele is excited about 2004’s Pride Celebrations. "We have a new Pride Board, and there are big plans this year. Lots of changes and different things that will make people say ‘I can’t wait for the Parade’ rather than ‘Oh god not the parade.’"

"Calgary is very unique. Every bar gets involved in things like Pride Week. Calgary, the bars, we are all a community and friends."

"As for us, we are going to be here for awhile. We have a lot of good ideas of things to do with the patio and downstairs. We’re going to have a Levi night sponsored by Priape. We are really trying to stand out and be more involved in the community," laughed Lorrie.

"We’ve fought hard over the past eight years to say that we aren’t a lesbian bar; we are a community bar. Everyone is welcome here, gay or straight. One of these years we will get there. We have tried hard to erase that stigmatism because we are a people bar. We love our boys and girls. Our philosophy is that everyone is welcome at Money Pennies, if you can’t accept each other’s differences, then there’s the door," Michele added.

The heart of Money Pennies, however, is its customers. It is because of them that Lorrie and Michele continue to be successful.

"When we have done renovations they have contributed ideas or picked up a paint-brush to pitch in. Even just people giving us encouragement. We are very blessed. Our customers are Money Pennies. We will be successful and continue to be here because of our family. Many of the people who walk through the door are not just customers; they become really good friends. That gives us a warm feeling, and you can base the success of Money Pennies on them. We pick up the phone, and they are there; we could not have done these renovations without our friends," concluded Michele.

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Money Pennies |

Photo Gallery Money Pennies |