07/14/2026
Since opening The Blind Fox has largely maintained itself as largely neutral establishment. The owner (Bill Coyne for those of you who somehow don't know) did this intentionally because the purpose was to build an inclusive space where all people felt welcomed and safe and were only made unwelcomed if their words or actions made other people feel unsafe (or they didn't pay their tabs). So the closest to "side taking" we have gotten is to sponsor some LGBT+ inclusive events and to make people who use unwelcoming language (deadnaming, slurs, racial epithets) know that that is unwelcome and therefore they are unwelcome.
Recently in our neighborhood a development at the T Station has become a hot button issue, and Bill - our loudmouth owner and writer of this message - has been vocal about his opinions. These opinions have remained separate from the business until today.
Over the past several days I have become aware that several local news agencies have become more involved in the story as a news item - not surprisingly as it has certainly been a topic of heated conversation around here, which is great for ratings. Additionally, a petition has been created around the matter as those opposed to a development are organizing against it. I've been asked for comment before on other matters, so I wasn't bothered by this.
However, this morning I was awakened by a call asking if I was STILL willing to provide an interview on the matter. After further conversation with the news agency it became clear that someone had impersonated me (or at least claimed to be the owner of The Blind Fox) and said they were willing to do a camera interview in opposition to the development. For this reason I felt the need to make a clear comment about this particular situation.
1 - Our position holds as a place where everyone is welcome as long as they are similarly hospitable to others around them. I don't expect everyone to agree on everything or to all be best friends - just to treat everyone in this space with respect. This means that LGBT+ people, people of different means, and people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds are all expected to receive this respect.
2 - We believe in some general principles about what Dormont is and should continue to be: a safe and affordable place to live, work, shop, eat, and drink. The business was designed around fusing a cigar bar experience with the feel of a neighborhood bar. A place where people could get Premium Ci**rs (which wasn't available in Dormont) and elevated cocktails, in a more relaxed environment - while keeping pricing and product selection more in line with the neighborhood.
3 - We want Dormont to continue to grow. Part of this growth will mean that new development and construction is a reality. Some businesses that have been a staple might change hands or move. Long time residents will move and new people will move into those houses. I know that when we turned Sam's Bar into The Blind Fox there were a lot of skeptics (and some critics, too). However, over the course of our time here (nearly 5 years now) I think we have proven ourselves to be good neighbors and a positive business in the community. I want the welcoming spirit I outlined above that I expect from guests at The Blind Fox to extend to Dormont as a whole. I want the people who move here to feel welcomed and enjoy living, working, eating, drinking, and shopping here.
4 - Part of growing frequently means new things for the neighborhood - and we should be willing to meet those things with kindness. When Lawrenceville began its revitalization it was met with a lot of people saying "that will never work there" - and then it did. When Bill (me, but in the third person) talks about aspiration for the West Liberty business district or Dormont as a whole I am frequently met with the same mindset. If Dormonsters make a concerted effort to shop, eat, and drink in the neighborhood more good business will be attracted here. A restaurant space that couldn't keep a tenant now holds the first location of Moonlit Burgers - which has become a major success - both at that location and in their multiple other locations. The Vasta and Tom's diner has found new life as Mike & Tony's and Sparkie's. A vacant bank space is now a location for Arsenal Cider. There's a boba tea shop off of Potomac. A LGBT friendly sober space is opening a few doors down from us that we couldn't be more exited to have as neighbors. There's been much written about the spaces being filled by too many v**e shops - but not enough written about how so many of those spaces were previously vacant.
5 - Our feelings about the matter that started this whole post are complicated. But, in line with the many of the other general principles stated above, our concerns have nothing to do with: not wanting to welcome new residents to Dormont, stereotypes about folks who live in subsidized housing that aren't based in reality, concerns about property values that don't consider the fact that many of the people enjoying life here couldn't afford to move here anymore, or a general resistance to change.
We realize that there are plenty of people who disagree with some of these thoughts above. However, we'd kindly ask that we be allowed to speak for ourselves in the future and any further attempts to impersonate ownership or speak on behalf of the business cease immediately. We understand some people see this development as a negative for local businesses - that, however, doesn't mean anyone should be speaking on behalf of business owners. The Blind Fox has always been a believer in supporting other businesses in the neighborhood - that, however, doesn't mean we agree with all of the other businesses on what is best (or worst) for the neighborhood.
We love being a part of the business community (and residential community) of Dormont. Regardless of opinions on any particular issue, the end result we are seeking is Dormont being the best version of Dormont it can be. We appreciate the support we have received over our time here and look forward to continuing to be a part of the Dormont business community for many years to come.
Be excellent to each other,
The Fox
