By Nicole Murray Ramirez
1051 University Ave. has long been a Hillcrest landmark for outstanding entertainment, dancing and socializing beginning in the 1960s as Mickie Finn’s, Metro, Mr. Dillon’s, and for the last 28 years, the award-winning nightclub Rich’s. Popular businessman Nick Moede bought Rich’s 15 years ago and last week announced that he sold the nightclub to his long-time general manager Ryan Bedrosian. Facebook exploded with accolades of respect and appreciation to Moede and wishes of continued success to the new 35-year-old owner Bedrosian. Moede told LGBTQ San Diego County News that he had been thinking about selling the club to no one else but his popular manager for the last couple of years because he wanted to continue Rich’s legacy of always welcoming all people through its doors and giving back to the community and neighborhood. Moede, who is a past president of the Hillcrest Business Association and a past member of Mayor Faulconer’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, said he would continue to go between his homes in Canada and San Diego. He hopes to do a lot of traveling and continue his civic involvement in San Diego.
“Nick Moede is a great San Diegan. As the longtime owner of Rich’s Nightclub, he’s been an important community leader and philanthropist who made an enormous difference in our city. I wish him well as he starts a new chapter in his life, and I look forward to Ryan Bedrosian’s ownership of this local institution,” said California Assembly Majority Leader Todd Gloria.
Moede told LGBTQ San Diego County News, “I appreciate all of the support that the San Diego LGBTQ community and the staff of Rich’s have given over the years. Together we have created an amazing space that is welcoming to everyone. I know that the legacy of Rich’s will carry on with Ryan as the new owner.”
Bedrosian, who attended Carlsbad High School and is an officer of the Hillcrest Business Association as well as a member of both the police chief and sheriff’s advisory boards, said that things would continue as is at Rich’s with exciting new changes coming in the near future. Rich’s has about 50 employees and Bedrosian started his new ownership by becoming a $1,000 sponsor of Being Alive (a San Diego County AIDS agency) 30th Anniversary Gala set for Feb. 21. Bedrosian, who recently was voted another Nicky Award has been overwhelmed and touched by the outpouring of love and support of the LGBTQ community.
“I want to give a huge thank you for all the love and support I’ve received from the community. I’m so excited to continue growing Rich’s and keeping it an important space for our community where everyone and anyone is welcome, can feel safe and be free to be whoever they want to be,” said Bedrosian.
