‘We are devastated’: This Boise landmark bar will not reopen

A neighborhood pub in a Boise building with decades of bar history has become an economic victim of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Turn, a beer and wine lounge at 4022 W. State St., will not join other Idaho bars pouring drinks next month. Despite possibly being allowed to resume business in mid-June as part of Gov. Brad Little’s four-stage reopening plan, The Turn’s owners plan to stay closed.

The Turn opened in 2019. For decades, State Street motorists knew the landmark building as Turner’s Sportsfair, a fishing tackle shop with a dive bar, Turners Cocktails, in the back.

The Turn’s owners, Brad Fahey and Susan Quintana, made the announcement on Facebook late Monday.

“Tonight, Susan and I have decided that we will not be able to reopen,” Fahey posted. “We wish you all the best and hope to see you all on the other side of the bar. WITH ALL OUR HEARTS WE ARE DEVASTATED FOR THIS.”

John Turner, the third-generation proprietor of Turner’s Sportsfair, shuttered the lounge and sold the property in 2018. The new owner leased the 3,500-square-foot space to Fahey and Quintana, who reopened it as The Turn in 2019.

Promoting itself as a place “where you can always find a $2 beer,” The Turn welcomed new customers and former Turner’s regulars alike. Pinball, darts, pool and horseshoes were among the entertainment.

Reactions to the closure on Facebook have been predictably sad.

“Who would have thought the world would change like this!?” asked one commenter.

“Good luck with your next adventure,” wrote another.

This story was originally published May 5, 2020 at 10:54 AM.