Today we’d like to introduce you to Tami Montgomery
Hi Tami, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2008, I opened DRUS after receiving two unexpected phone calls from different people, both telling me that The Jungle was for sale. After the second call, I reached out to the owner, and within 30 minutes, I was meeting her at the bar. Two days later, I told her I wanted to buy it, and just two weeks after that, I was fully immersed in making it my own. It was a whirlwind—especially since I was never the person who dreamed of owning a bar. I hadn’t spent much time in the bar scene, and I had zero experience. Yet, here I am, nearly 17 years later, still dedicated to keeping DRUS alive and ensuring it remains a safe, welcoming space where people can come together, be themselves, and have a great time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Owning a bar comes with constant challenges, from navigating economic downturns and changing industry trends to managing staff and creating a space where everyone feels safe and welcome. There have been challenging moments, especially in the beginning when I had no prior experience in the industry. I had to learn everything on the fly—how to run a business, manage a team, and build a community around DRUS.
But through all the ups and downs, I’ve never lost sight of why I do this. Seeing people walk through our doors, let loose, sing their hearts out, and feel at home makes every challenge worth it. It’s not always easy, but it’s always rewarding.
Over the years, I’ve had to rebuild a 100+-year-old building that had never been properly maintained. I was working with old, used equipment, so things broke almost daily. In the beginning, my lack of experience cost me a lot—both financially and in hard lessons learned. And since I didn’t start with much money, I was always scraping by, just trying to keep things running.
As times changed and being gay became more widely accepted, the community started spending more money in mainstream venues, which brought new challenges. Then, of course, there was COVID—a struggle that no one could have fully prepared for.
Over these 17 years, I’ve experienced incredible highs and devastating lows. I’ve lost close friends, and I’ve lost my partner. I’ve seen some of the most beautiful moments of my life and endured some of the most tragic. Through it all, I’ve done everything possible to stay resilient and keep moving forward.
But I haven’t done it alone. This community has been my strength when I had none left. They have lifted me up in ways I can never fully express, and for that, I will be forever grateful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about DRUS Bar?
DRUS Bar is more than just a bar—it’s a community hub, a safe space, and a place where people come to let loose, have fun, and be themselves. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, DRUS has been a staple in the city’s nightlife for nearly 17 years, offering a welcoming environment for everyone, especially the LGBTQ+ community and allies. We have always said, “All nice people are welcome,” and over the years, that is exactly what we have had to walk through our doors.
We’re best known for our karaoke, which happens five nights a week, giving people a stage to belt out their favorite songs in a fun and supportive atmosphere. But we’re more than just a karaoke bar. We serve up delicious cocktails, beer, burgers, and pizza, and we host a variety of events, including drag performances, trivia nights, and unique themed gatherings.
What sets DRUS apart is our commitment to creating a space where people feel safe, comfortable, and appreciated. Whether you’re here to sing your heart out, celebrate a special occasion, or just enjoy a night out with friends, DRUS is a place where everyone belongs. We’ve built a loyal customer base that isn’t just looking for a bar—they’re looking for a home away from home. And that’s exactly what we strive to provide.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned from owning DRUS is the power of resilience and community. No matter how tough things get—and they have been incredibly tough at times—it’s the support, loyalty, and love from this community that keeps me going. I’ve learned that running a successful business isn’t just about managing finances or fixing broken equipment; it’s about genuinely caring for the people who walk through your doors. When you invest in people, they invest in you. DRUS has taught me that the strongest businesses are built not only with perseverance but with compassion, humility, and the courage to lean on others when you need it most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.drusbar.com
- Instagram: @drusbar
