Palm Canyon Roadhouse plans to reopen in new location as leases end for pair of businesses

The Palm Canyon Roadhouse has closed after 18 years of operation at 535 South Palm Canyon Dr. because its land lease expired, marking the second business on the property at the corner of Ramon Road and South Palm Canyon Drive to face a similar fate.

Owners Greg and Eleanor Rivers announced the closure in a statement to customers on social media Saturday, explaining that they believe the entire complex is being scheduled for demolition and redevelopment.

The city has not received notification or applications for redevelopment of the property, which belongs to individual members of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. An official with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which represents the owners, confirmed on Oct. 9 that there are no current plans to redevelop the property.

“There’s never a great time to move, but it will be much easier to do now in the summer season while it’s slower,” the Rivers said in their social media post. The couple plans to reopen the popular bar and grill at a new location.

“We are reopening in a new location ASAP,” they said in their announcement. “We are very proud of, and thankful for, the 18 terrific years we had at the Palm Canyon Drive location.”

The Roadhouse became known for hosting live music acts from throughout the Coachella Valley, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The venue expanded over the years from indoor performances to include an outdoor stage and parking lot beer garden that accommodated up to 1,000 people.

The business started with Desert Heat Bike Weekend events and grew to feature regular Sunday jam sessions, tribute bands and touring acts. “Nothing compared with the day the actual Budweiser Clydesdales rolled up out front and delivered our beer right off the wagon!” the Rivers recalled.

The Rivers credited longtime employees and regular customers for the venue’s success over nearly two decades. “It was the day to day, Roadhouse regulars that gave us the staying power,” they said. “We wouldn’t trade a single second of it for anything. Genuinely great times and we owe it all to all of you!”

H3K Design, an adjacent business at the intersection of Ramon Road and South Palm Canyon Drive, also recently closed and relocated to Palm Desert after failing to secure a new lease.

The Rivers encouraged former customers to visit other local establishments while awaiting the reopening, specifically mentioning the Fireside Lounge and Hunters as options for patrons.

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Editor’s note: This story was updated on Oct. 9 after a representative from the Bureau of Indian Affairs sought to refute claims that owners of the land were looking to redevelop the property.

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