Prineville, Ore. – The sudden closure of The Horseshoe Tavern in Prineville has stirred controversy after the bar’s owner, Chris Powell (Suing), responded to questions about the shutdown with implied threats of defamation claims against both media outlets and individuals who might speak publicly.
A sign posted on the building late last week confirmed the closure, but the reasons behind it and the potential length of the closure remain unclear. The tavern, long a popular spot for live entertainment and a regular gathering place for locals, had just weeks earlier promoted plans to “revamp with a fresh new identity” and was actively seeking new bartenders and cooks.
In response to inquiries from the Prineville Review, Powell rejected the suggestion that the closure was permanent, insisting “no one said it was permanently closed” and demanding that our inquiries seeking to speak with former patrons or employees be taken down. She accused our inquiries of “causing drama” and threatened that further reporting could “get you [the Prineville Review] in trouble.” Google currently lists the business as “Permanently closed”.
The tavern is legally operated under “Triangle C Investments, LLC” according to Oregon Secretary of State records, and currently lists Powell as the owner, albeit by her current last name of Suing.
Another individual associated with the tavern, Shelley Brown, also responded to support a shared public post discouraging anyone from speaking to the press and warning of defamation claims if they did. The original post was shared by Shelly Collatt. The shared posting by Collatt and the message by Powell to the Prineville Review were identical.
Meanwhile, comments from community members on social media last month suggested ongoing problems at the bar, including alleged bounced paychecks and other staff treatment. Some expressed doubts about whether the business could recover, while others said they had been excited about the promised changes, including claims that the business was looking to bring back Oregon Lottery machines.
The Horseshoe Tavern’s location has a history of challenges. A 2019 report from our media partners at KTVZ News documented past struggles by current and previous owners to maintain liquor licenses. Under Powell’s tenure, the tavern publicly acknowledged staffing shortages, frequently posting job listings in recent months.
Regardless of the uncertain circumstances, the sudden closure is raising questions and disappointment among those who had long considered the Horseshoe a mainstay of Prineville’s nightlife.
“I remember when dollars were on the ceiling and Friday was prime rib. Neighbors would walk to come east, and it felt like community,” said Emily Pennick on Facebook. “Now it’s tables, and video poker. Food has always been good as is the company, I just miss the booths.”
According to Oregon’s Bureau of Labor & Industries, employers are prohibited from threating or retaliating against workers for reporting pay issues, as it is considered an unlawful employment practice under Oregon law. BOLI encourages workers to file complaints with the agency if they have been subjected to any such threats or intimidation.
Another poster, who also supported the alleged claims that employees were not being paid, also stated the business was not carrying the workers’ compensation insurance, which is required under Oregon law.
According to the Oregon Department of Business & Consumer Services (DCBS), Triangle C Investments, LLC, had its policy cancelled mid-policy period in April of 2023. It then reinstated its annual policy coverage again in late May of 2023. Its policy was again cancelled on March 7th, 2024, shortly after its Feb 1st, 2024 renewal. DCBS did not appear to have records of active coverage since that cancellation in March of 2024.
Powell ultimately declined to elaborate further about any of the issues, including our offer to respond to the reported employee pay issues.
“No I will not offer any information,” Powell said via Facebook late Wednesday. She appeared to push back against those claiming that the closure was permanent.
This is a developing story we will keep you updated on.
Note: This story was updated to clarify that the workers’ compensation policy for the business was cancelled in March 2024, and not February of 2024. It also clarified that the defamation warning being shared was by a Shelly Collatt, not Shelley Brown, although Brown responded in support of the warning.
Mr. Alderman is an investigative journalist specializing in government transparency, non-profit accountability, consumer protection, and is a subject mater expert on Oregon’s public records and meetings laws. As a former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, he brings a disciplined investigative approach to his reporting that has frequently exposed ethics violations, financial mismanagement, and transparency failures by public officials and agencies.
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