A New Chapter for The Crocodile
The Crocodile Announces New Ownership, Preserving Seattle Music Legacy While Building for the Future
Seattle’s iconic Crocodile begins new chapter with ownership group led by entertainment veteran Jimmy Miller
Longtime investor Susan Silver says the venue’s future is in the hands of leaders who understand its importance to artists, audiences and Seattle’s music community
SEATTLE, June 8, 2026 – The Crocodile, one of the country’s most historic independent venue organizations, today announced the successful conclusion of its receivership process through a sale to the ownership group behind Upright Citizens Brigade, Abso Lutely Productions, and Bottlerocket Social Hall; The Comedy Tent. Supported by existing Crocodile ownership, the transition marks an important next chapter for the Seattle institution, preserving the venue’s legacy while positioning it for long-term strength, creative growth and continued impact for artists, audiences and the broader music community.
The new ownership group brings deep experience across live entertainment, comedy, artist development and creative production, with a shared commitment to independent venues and the communities they serve. For longtime Crocodile investor and supporter Susan Silver, the transition represents not only a successful outcome for the organization, but a meaningful passing of the torch to leaders she believes understand the cultural importance of the venue and its role in Seattle’s creative ecosystem.
“I first met Jimmy Miller in 1996, when his client Jim Carrey hosted SNL’s season finale and requested Soundgarden as the musical guest,” said Susan Silver, “I came prepared for a difficult conversation about what my clients needed, but Jimmy listened and responded with complete confidence and generosity: ‘Whatever you guys need, Suze. Fine with us.’ That moment revealed the qualities I have admired in Jimmy for nearly three decades: his respect for artists, his instinct for creative talent and his ability to build trust. As I step away from The Crocodile, I am confident Jimmy and his team will honor its legacy while bringing fresh vision, energy and opportunity to its next chapter.”
“Being friends with the legendary Susan Silver for many years, I have long known about the Crocodile and its special place in the fabric of one of the greatest music cities in the world,” said Jimmy Miller, Comedy Tent Chairman. “When the opportunity arose to help, we were thrilled to become the stewards of such an important institution and to provide the stability and infrastructure it has long been hoping for as an organization. Like our other venues, the Crocodile will continue to operate the way that it always has; independently, musician driven, and as a beacon of Seattle’s creative community. The Crocodile will continue as its own brand and operation alongside UCB, Bottlerocket, and Abso; not under them.”
The sale process was led by Dominique Scalia of DBS Law, a Seattle attorney serving as the Crocodile’s general receiver. “The sale of the Crocodile to the Comedy Tent came together through tremendous support from the receivership’s stakeholders and the dedicated efforts of both the Comedy Tent and the Crocodile’s management team,” said Scalia. “It has been an honor to help shepherd this legendary venue into a new era, one that preserves more than 100 jobs and ensures the Crocodile will continue contributing meaningfully to the vibrancy of Seattle’s arts community and the Belltown neighborhood.”
Day-to-day operation of the Crocodile will continue to be run by the venue's existing Seattle staff. That existing team will be newly supported by the staff and leadership of Pittsburgh’s Bottlerocket Social Hall, one of the most exciting and successful new venue concepts in the country.
“Our goal in Pittsburgh has always been to have the best venue in the country - for audiences and performers. It is thrilling to have the chance to meld our vision for what the next generation of venues can be, with a historic institution like The Crocodile,” said Chris Copen, Managing Director of Independent Venues for Comedy Tent. “Our hope is to be as additive as possible. This is an opportunity we have been engaged with since November of last year, which has given us plenty of time to get to know the Croc’s existing staff, operations, and programming - and how we can strengthen it to make it even better.”
“The last few years have tested The Croc like never before, but we're still standing, and now we're not going into what's next alone,” said Shaina Foley, Crocodile General Manager. “Our new partners get what this place is really about: the soul of it; and what it means to Belltown, to Seattle, and to everyone who's spent amazing nights with us for more than 35 years. They have the knowledge, resources, and vision needed to reinvigorate The Croc and Hotel Crocodile, and bring the lower floor back to life. We are more optimistic than ever about what comes next."
The former Madame Lou’s and Here-After venues will be redeveloped into an exciting new venue experience, expanding on the comedy ambitions of the Here-After while honoring the music of Madame Lou’s, with more information to come later this year. All shows currently scheduled at the Crocodile and at other venues around Seattle under the Crocodile Presents banner will be held as scheduled, with all tickets honored. No immediate operational changes are planned for the Hotel Crocodile at this time.
ABOUT THE CROCODILE
The Crocodile has been a staple of Seattle's music scene since it was opened by Graham Graham in 1991 . It has been ranked by Rolling Stone as one of best Club venues in the U.S. and hosted legendary acts like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Cheap Trick, R.E.M., Billie Eilish, Chappel Roan and more. Since relocating and expanding in 2021 the Crocodile has remained a flagship of the Belltown community, adding the Hotel Crocodile and two smaller venue footprints to its operations. For more information: https://www.thecrocodile.com/.
ABOUT THE COMEDY TENT
Comedy Tent is a holding company dedicated to owning and operating the full scope of the comedy business — from training, to live venues, to film and TV production, and everything in between. Led by industry veterans Jimmy Miller (founder of talent management firm Mosaic) and Mike McAvoy (former CEO of The Onion), and backed by Elysian Park Ventures, the company is building an enduring home for comedy across every format. Since its 2022 launch, Comedy Tent has acquired Upright Citizens Brigade, the iconic comedy institution and training program, and Abso Lutely Productions, followed by its most recent acquisition, Bottlerocket Social Hall.
Founded in 2022, Bottlerocket Social Hall is a bar and venue in the Allentown neighborhood of Pittsburgh. It produces over 375 shows a year across Comedy, Music, Movies and More — all in a perfectly preserved 1970s dive bar. It was voted "Pittsburgh's Best Dive Bar" and has hosted acts such as Pete Davidson, Geese, Chris Fleming, Sarah Sherman, and more.
