“You know, I never thought we’d be here,” Lorrie Murphy says when asked just how it feels to be one of Calgary’s longest running gay bars. At first she and her business and life partner, Michele Flynn, reflect sadly on what this means. They expected some of the bars which have shut down recently to be there right along with them. “I also see the side where we’ve done something right,” says Michele. “That, to be here this long and to be really community oriented because that’s who we are…not what we are but who we are, and that Money-Pennies is a driving vehicle that allows us to do that.” They both agree that their involvement in the community, by listening and truly participating in what the community has told them is needed, is why they have been so successful.

It’s not about business for either of them as seen by the large chunk of their revenue that either goes back to the community through the fundraising events they hold or back into the bar. Money-Pennies has undergone several rounds of renovation in the past and Lorrie is happy to announce that there are more plans in the immediate future. They have discussed the possibility of buying another business but if they ever share this information with friends or regulars they are always met with a degree of shock and worry that such a move would mean the end of Money-Pennies. Lorrie assures me that Money-Pennies isn’t going anywhere as it is something they are both very passionate about and committed to.

My next question is what are some of Money-Pennies’ most popular events? “Wing night of course, with our eighteen flavours…the kitchen hates us,” Lorrie laughs. Michele nods appreciatively, “Yes we do…well, no my staff hate it.” Apparently Michele has come up with a brand new flavour, but for the time being they have decided to hold out and see what the new renovations will bring. Michele is extremely excited to have her kitchen expanded, something that sounds like it has been needed for a while.

We digress for only a moment and then Lorrie brings us back around to the events Money-Pennies is known for, “Certainly karaoke, that’s very big for us. We’re kind of getting a little more towards live entertainment. Part of their community orientation is their willingness to do almost anything you bring to them.”

Lorrie is always happy to have suggestions and to help out when approached by anyone. They are extremely proud of their ability to pull off a good fundraiser. World AIDS Day, Toys for Tots, the ISCCA and their own hamper program are just a few of the successful fundraisers they are actively involved in promoting and running.

They like to think that any organization or person will feel welcome when they walk in their doors. Michele speaks passionately about the atmosphere she and Lorrie have been working for and believe in for their establishment. “I attribute how long we’ve been here to the evolution going from how it used to be where you couldn’t walk in to a place like this, especially lit, with windows. It was impossible. We’ve evolved with that, where we don’t believe in labels anymore. Lorrie and I don’t care if you’re gay, straight, bi or transsexual…it doesn’t matter. You are welcome in here.”

The stigma that has followed them regarding their status as a ”lesbian bar” has been a hindrance for them. “It’s not that we don’t like lesbians,” an exasperated Lorrie says, “We want to be a place that everybody could come to, that you could bring your mother to. Come January, children will be able to come back here.” They seem to feel the reason for the tagging as a lesbian only bar comes from the fact that they are two lesbians running the business. Both of them are always sure to inform people that they are not lesbian-exclusive or even just there for the queer and trans community. “It’s for everybody,” states Michele.

For the future they are excited to see the changes that the renovations and the new smoking laws will bring. Neither thinks the smoking ban will be a problem for business as less people smoke nowadays and because so many of their regulars would like to bring their kids. They are, after all, a restaurant and no one should have to miss out on the famous Money-Pennies burger. “It’s not about a bar,” Michele says, “It’s a place to see your friends.”

“It’s about the community. Everything we do will go back into the community,” says Lorrie with a smile.

Money-Pennies Eatery & Bar

1742 – 10th Avenue S.W.

Calgary, Alberta

Phone: 263-7411

www.money-pennies.com