Is There a Future for Paragon, and Clubs Like It?
(Guarionex Rodriguez Jr / Paragon)

Is There a Future for Paragon, and Clubs Like It?

The Brooklyn nightclub specializes in adventurous programming without compromise. From the outside, it seemed like it was working.

Last week, Paragon, the cutting-edge, experimental dance music nightclub in Bed-Stuy, announced it would be closing in April, writing in an Instagram post that "we simply cannot afford the financial reality of this industry in 2025."

Owner John Barclay told me that while he still plans on closing Paragon's doors in April, he's also actively looking for investment to keep it open. Barring that, he said that he's open to selling Paragon to a new operator who could keep it open at the same location. 

"Our dream scenario would involve a benevolent investor stepping up and saving the venue so we could continue to run. But as of now we are also talking to potential buyers. Paragon is for sale," he said. 

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