arts
Why popular bar Kanvas is closing in Deep Ellum despite strong business
By Ahraya Burns at NBC DFW
· July 17, 2026
· 2 min read
A popular Deep Ellum bar is closing its doors, with the owner saying concerns about violence in the neighborhood outweighed the business's financial success. Kanvas by Kevin Kelley announced on social media that Sunday, July 19, will be the business's final day operating in Deep Ellum. "Walking away
Key takeaway Kanvas by Kevin Kelley announced on social media that Sunday, July 19, will be the business's final day operating in Deep Ellum.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The closure of Kanvas in Deep Ellum due to concerns about violence has implications for Fort Worth 's own entertainment districts, such as the Stockyards and Sundance Square. While Fort Worth has its own set of public safety challenges, the decision by Kanvas' owner to prioritize safety over profits may prompt other business owners in the area to reevaluate their own security measures. The fact that Kanvas was able to maintain a safe environment inside the venue but still felt compelled to leave due to external factors suggests that addressing public safety requires a comprehensive approach that involves both businesses and local government. As Fort Worth continues to grow and develop its own entertainment scene, it will be important for city leaders and business owners to work together to ensure that public safety is a top priority, lest they risk losing businesses and investment to other areas perceived as safer.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC DFW . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: NBC DFW ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A popular Deep Ellum bar is closing its doors, with the owner saying concerns about violence in the neighborhood outweighed the business's financial success. Kanvas by Kevin Kelley announced on social media that Sunday, July 19, will be the business's final day operating in Deep Ellum. "Walking away
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by NBC DFW and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ahraya Burns at NBC DFW. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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