Tryst Hospitality is adding one of Provincetown’s most storied queer hubs to its growing portfolio. Founder and CEO Tristan Schukraft announced the group’s acquisition of the Crown & Anchor, the Commercial Street complex known for its hotel, restaurant, and long-running performance venues. The deal secures the future of one of the town’s best-known LGBTQ+ landmarks while ushering in the next chapter of Tryst’s international expansion.
Under the new ownership, the property’s 17-room hotel will reopen in 2026 as The Tryst Provincetown, joining locations in Puerto Vallarta and San Juan, with Fire Island Pines and Wilton Manors on the way.
A Cornerstone of Queer Provincetown
For generations, the Crown & Anchor has been more than a nightlife stop. Its network of bars and stages, including The Paramount, The Crown Cabaret, and The Vault, has served as a community hub for travelers, locals, drag artists, and queer families who return season after season.
Schukraft said that legacy is central to Tryst’s vision moving forward.
“There’s nowhere in the world like Provincetown. It’s a place where LGBTQ+ people have come for decades to be seen, to create, to fall in love, and to live openly,” he said. “The Crown & Anchor is at the heart of that story… Our goal is to honor that legacy while evolving it for the future.”
The Crown’s previous leadership expressed confidence in the transition.
“I am proud to have served this community alongside this extraordinary team,” said CEO and co-owner Jonathan Hawkins. “Together, we reclaimed with purpose, preserved with intention, and rebuilt a space that stands at the heart of Provincetown’s queer community.”
Co-owner Paolo Martini added that Schukraft understands the value of keeping the venue queer-led. “With his vision and resources, The Crown will stay gay-owned, community-driven, and a beacon for generations to come.”
Seasonal Pause and 2026 Reopening
The Crown & Anchor will remain open through New Year’s Eve 2025 before taking its normal seasonal break. This time, the pause will extend from January through April to allow for design work, renovations, and hotel rebranding ahead of the 2026 summer season.
Tryst plans to keep core staff and entertainment partners, continuing traditions like Women’s Week, Bear Week, Carnival, Family Week, and the many themed weekends that help define Provincetown’s calendar.
While the refreshed property will feature updates across most of its venues, the company emphasized that the character of the complex, the late-night shows, queer camaraderie, and “only in Provincetown” energy, isn’t going anywhere.
Building a Global Network of Queer Destinations
The Crown & Anchor joins Tryst’s growing mix of hotels, bars, and nightlife institutions. The group already owns The Abbey in West Hollywood, DS Tequila in Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood, and several Fire Island Pines venues, including The Pavilion and The Blue Whale.
Tryst’s recent investments have been met with enthusiasm in other queer travel destinations. In Fire Island Pines, community members credited Schukraft with improving staff housing, boosting production for annual events, and breathing life into dormant spaces through partnerships and programming.
“Every Tryst property reflects the energy of its community,” Schukraft said. “I want to make sure The Crown & Anchor remains a place where everyone feels at home, whether they are performing, celebrating, or just watching the world go by on Commercial Street.”
With Provincetown now part of the family, Tryst Hospitality is positioning itself as a leading steward of queer spaces, aiming to modernize beloved venues without diluting the history that made them cultural anchors in the first place.
