what happened to gas monkey garage
Gas Monkey Garage is still operational as of February 2026. Rumors of its complete shutdown have circulated widely online, fueled by the end of its Discovery Channel show Fast N' Loud in 2020, but recent evidence shows the Dallas-based custom auto shop continues building, restoring cars, and expanding its brand under Richard Rawlings.
Rumors vs. Reality
The misconception started when Fast N' Loud wrapped after eight seasons, leading fans to assume the garage closed too—social media and forums amplified this, with clickbait videos claiming "mystery solved" shutdowns. In truth, the business pivoted away from TV reliance. Rawlings clarified through content that the shop handles private projects, custom builds, and performance upgrades, with original crew members still involved.
"The belief that the business shut down grew online... In reality, Gas Monkey Garage is still in operation."
Financial hiccups, management spats, and a 2024 bar rebrand (removing automotive decor from Gas Monkey Bar & Grill) added to confusion, but no full closure occurred.
Recent Activity (2025-2026)
Gas Monkey thrives via diversification:
- New Ventures : Opened Gas Monkey Ice House in The Colony, Texas (May 2025) for car builds, filming, and fan events; Gas Monkey Sturgis outdoor bar during 2025 rally.
- Builds & Giveaways: Active Instagram posts like a "6x6 Testarossa" (Jan 2026); Facebook video of buying a mini-tank (Jan 2026); 2026 Corvette ZR1 giveaway.
- Partnerships : Collaborations like Trans Am events and Baileigh Industrial for tools, boosting credibility.
Aspect| Then (Fast N' Loud Era)| Now (2026) 19
---|---|---
Focus| TV car flips under deadlines| Private restorations, YouTube,
events
Revenue| Show-centric| Restaurants, live events, merch, builds
Locations| Dallas HQ| + Ice House, Sturgis bar
Leadership| Rawlings + full cast| Rawlings + core crew
Fan & Forum Chatter
Forums buzz with speculation—some mourn the "old days" without Aaron Kaufman (left 2017), others celebrate the evolution into a lifestyle brand spanning autos, hospitality, and biker culture. Trending discussions note economic shifts in automotive TV, but positivity around 2026 posts suggests strong fan loyalty. Rawlings' storytelling keeps engagement high, like turning Sturgis into a "bada** staple."
Looking Ahead
No signs of stopping: Expect more unhinged builds, pop-ups, and hybrid events. The garage adapted smartly post-TV, proving reality shows don't define the brand's longevity.
TL;DR : Not closed—thriving beyond TV with builds, bars, and events.**
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.