Dark Delicacies Needs Our Help
I wanted to make a post about this because I think it’s very important.
The independent book and gift store Dark Delicacies has become a haven over the years for being a location where fans and artists alike can come together and talk all things horror. In fact our very own podcast co-host Ryan Danhauser has attended events and met Clive Barker there on a couple of occasions. They’ve also released some very nice short story collections such as the Midian Unmade: Tales of Clive Barker’s Nightbreed that they released back in the Fall of 2016.
It’s not only known in it’s local area of Burbank, CA, but all over the world. It has definitely earned its spot in the horror community as a place that’s come to be known as the “home of horror.” But now the store’s owners Del and Susan Howison need our help to keep the store going. Del explains in the comments below:
“On December 3, 1994 my wife, Sue, and I opened Dark Delicacies, the original all-horror independent book and gift store in the United States. Located in Burbank, California, we soon became recognized as the “home of horror.” We are known, not just locally, but around the world for our weekly signings and events where fans are able to mingle with their favorite writers, directors, actors, composers, among so many others. Our customers, as well as the amazing artists who have signed at the store, are family; many of whom have been with us since the beginning of this wonderful dark ride. One of our greatest joys has been giving back, by sponsoring and hosting numerous charity events for both our two and four-legged friends. We are very proud of the “people of horror,” whose support and generosity have helped so many.
We knew we would never become rich running the store, and that was okay. We just wanted to be able to do something we loved and be a part of the community we cherished. Unfortunately, like so many other places, the landscape in Burbank is changing. Rents have skyrocketed, and many of the unique stores that put the area on the map have been forced to move or close their doors altogether. This little neck of the woods is so beloved, a Save Magnolia Park campaign and video were created.
With our lease up in May, Sue and I thought it was the end of our brick and mortar store. We resigned ourselves to the fact that we would be forced to close, just shy of our 25th anniversary. We were heartbroken. Then, a store front around the corner became available. A possible new location, coupled with all the people who wrote and stopped by asking us to stay in business, made Sue and I realize we weren’t ready to go quietly into the night. Although we may be a little more tired at the end of the day than when we first opened, our passion is still the same. We want to continue offering a place for people to drop by and hang out for a while, meet up with friends and fiends or make news ones.
Our escalating rent over the last few years created an enormous financial strain. Some days we were just happy to be able to keep our lights on. Moves are expensive and this one is no exception. So, we are asking for a little help in making a resurrection possible. Anything you can give to help keep the crypt open will be greatly appreciated. We know times are tough, so if you can’t, don’t sweat it. Promise to still venture on in. After all you’re one of us.”
We certainly are and everyone here at the Clive Barker Podcast will make sure to spread the word to get as many fans to help out as possible. Many already have because as of this writing, their Go Fund Me page has reached $27,970 of its $30,000 goal. That’s a testament to how much love the fans have for you guys.
To add a donation to help fund the new location click on the link below:
https://www.gofundme.com/dark-delicacies-relocation-fundraiser
Thanks to Bloody Disgusting.
