Dallas – The iconic Granada Theater, a downtown landmark since 1946, and its adjoining Sundown restaurant have been sold to Bathhouse, a New York‑based social wellness brand. The transaction was announced Friday by longtime owners Mike Schoder and Julia Garton, who said the decision was driven by rising operating costs, shifting audience preferences, and the broader trend of corporate consolidation in the entertainment sector.
Owners Reflect on Two Decades of Community Service
Schoder and Garton, who purchased the theater in 2004 and opened Sundown in 2012, issued a heartfelt statement: “For 22 years at Granada and 15 years at Sundown, we’ve poured our hearts into these places, the music, the people, and the thousands of unforgettable nights and memories made within their walls. Walking away isn’t easy. But sometimes knowing when to turn the page is as important as knowing when to start the story.”
The pair explained that they explored multiple development offers but ultimately sought a buyer who would preserve the venue’s cultural role. Bathhouse emerged as the most compatible partner, promising to retain the theater’s exterior while introducing a wellness‑focused programming model.
Bathhouse’s Vision for the Historic Space
Founded in 2019 by Jason Goodman and Travis Talmadge, Bathhouse operates a network of wellness clubs that blend relaxation, fitness, and community events. The brand has announced expansion plans for Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Chicago, and now aims to bring its model to Dallas.
“Granada brought people together through music. Sundown through food, drinks, and friendship. Bathhouse will bring people together through wellness, relaxation, and connection. Different experiences, but the same spirit of community,” Schoder and Garton said in the statement. Talmadge told The Dallas Morning News that the theater’s façade will remain unchanged when it reopens in mid‑2028, ensuring the building’s historic character endures.
Transition Timeline
The restaurant’s final day of service is slated for Nov. 1, while the theater will continue to host live performances through April 17, 2027. After that date, Bathhouse will begin renovations and programming changes, with a projected reopening in mid‑2028.
Context Within Lower Greenville
The sale marks another notable change on Lower Greenville Avenue, an area that has seen several long‑standing establishments close in recent years, including the popular Blue Goose Cantina’s Greenville location in 2023. Community members have expressed mixed feelings, mourning the loss of familiar gathering spots while hoping the new ownership will sustain the neighborhood’s vibrant social fabric.
What This Means for Dallas
From a business perspective, the transaction reflects the ongoing evolution of Dallas’s entertainment and hospitality landscape. As operating expenses rise and consumer tastes shift toward experience‑driven wellness offerings, historic venues are increasingly seeking partners who can blend preservation with modern programming.
Local leaders have not yet issued an official comment, but the city’s Office of Economic Development typically welcomes investments that preserve historic architecture while creating jobs and new services for residents.
For now, Dallas fans can look forward to a refreshed Granada Theater that honors its storied past while introducing a fresh, wellness‑centric chapter for the community.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
