11/05/2025
For nearly a decade, I have had the privilege of owning and operating my own bar in New Orleans. The experience was immense to say the least. Through every single moment of success and challenge alike I truly loved it. Now it is time for new adventures in life both professionally and personally.
There are too many bands to list but thank you so much to all the incredible acts that rocked our stage. Thank you so much to everyone who came over the years in support of our events. The accomplishments of the experience that was The Goat were gauged by the talent and clientele we shared our nights with. I think it’s safe to say that makes it a successful story.
I’d like to recognize our family of bartenders, security and engineers over the years. From enduring the first years, to bonding over Covid, to the memories up to the final day, I became a better person knowing all these people. We succeeded together, and equally importantly, we endured together. There are too many people to list, but I especially want to recognize efforts of Kelly, Jolie, Squee, Ollie, and Cassie. Your ability to run a bar was only matched by your kindness and patience to me for all these years.
As the end of The Goat also marks the end of Attrition, I’d like to thank all the DJs that shared in facilitating nights that were simply unmatched. Thank you to Rudy, Shy, Sean, and Frank for being my rock.
To my family, they understand all too well that it takes an army, not a single individual to accomplish so much behind the scenes. Thank you especially to Mom, Bob and Ingrid for all the late nights and early mornings we worked so hard on business strategy, and for your unwavering support in the most challenging moments of owning a bar.
To Alana, who stood by me in person through this immeasurable experience, I love you. The greatest gift The Goat ever yielded me was meeting you, and I am glowing with excitement and pride for what we accomplished here, and what lies ahead for us together.
Tonight, The Goat will open for one final time at 9pm. It was the experience of a lifetime.
-Matthew Checki
The Goat
