Quick Croc Closing

The Crocodile Café in Seattle has reportedly closed its doors in quick order after 15 years of operation.

The 525-capacity club had shows on the books through March, including Matt Costa, Tilly & The Wall and Born Ruffians. It was unclear what prompted the closure and if it was permanent, but club talent buyer Eli Anderson said owner Stephanie Dorgan left a voice message for him December 16th telling him to close the Crocodile immediately, the Seattle Times reported.

She told him the locks were changed and he could pick up his personal items the next day, Anderson said.

"Everybody that got fired got together and had drinks," Anderson told the paper. A co-worker told him the club could reopen under new ownership, "But from what I was told, it sounded permanent."

Rumors that the Croc was for sale have been circulating for months, beginning with the exit of booking contact Pete Greenberg, the Times said. At the time, Anderson called the talks "hearsay."

A call to the club was not returned at press time.

The Croc opened during the grunge era and hosted Nirvana, Modest Mouse and Death Cab For Cutie, among others.