A restaurant in Missouri has taken exclusivity to new levels by imposing age restrictions on customers to avoid “drama” and allow “seniors” to enjoy happy hour in peace.
Men must be at least 35 years old to dine at Bliss in St. Louis, while women can enter as young as 30.
Owner Marvin Pate, who barely qualifies at the tender age of 36, said the restriction has created an atmosphere of “pure utopia” for his graying customers.
But the unusually old bar has left a bad taste in the mouths of less experienced diners.
Florissant’s restaurant specializes in West African and Caribbean food and promises a “sophisticated atmosphere” and “unique atmosphere.”
The establishment has caught the attention of others in the restaurant industry, with some suggesting the idea could be expanded.
Owner Marvin Pate, barely qualifying at age 36, acknowledged that not everyone has been understanding.
“It’s just something that older people can come do and have a happy hour, come eat good food and not have to worry about some of the younger people bringing some of that drama,” said assistant manager Erica Rhodes.
“Of course, we’ve gotten a little bit of backlash,” Pate admitted. ‘But it’s okay because we stick to our code.
‘It represents pure happiness and pure utopia. It’s a home away from home. “You can come here and feel like you’re at a resort.”
And many diners who do qualify have given an enthusiastic response to the idea.
‘I love this!’ wrote Kathy Mein. “There’s nothing worse than going out to have a romantic dinner and having kids at the next table.”
‘I have to admit I would make a reservation there in a heart beat!’ wrote Roxanne Mailloux.
“If you’re from St. Louis, you’ll understand,” Jessica Brown added. ‘The amount of violence here is crazy, especially if people drink.
“Bliss doesn’t want their shit torn apart or their employees hurt because people want to fight over petty things.”
Everyone entering must show their ID to a flight attendant or a St Louis County Police officer after 7 pm Wednesday through Sunday.
The upscale establishment in Florissant specializes in West African and Caribbean food and promises a “sophisticated atmosphere” and “unique ambiance.”
Owner Marvin Pate, who barely qualifies at the tender age of 36, said the restriction has created an atmosphere of “pure utopia” for his graying customers.
Even more objected to the restaurant allowing women to enter five years before men.
“So Leonardo DiCaprio could go but his girlfriend couldn’t,” said Jonathan Bowen.
“I guess the 30/35 difference is due to the uncomfortable fact that most men seem to mature a little slower than women lol,” wrote Jonathan Edward Smith.
“I know many more 30-year-old women who have sex together than men of the same age.”
“I don’t disagree with your choice, but why 30 for women and 35 for men?” asked Alison L. Smith.
‘That’s the only thing that bothers me. Why couldn’t there be a single fixed age for both sexes?
Others warned that the team may have chosen too forceful a tool if they are trying to avoid problem eaters.
“I know teenagers in their 40s, 50s, 60s and some 21-35 year olds who are better behaved than they are in public in a diner or bar environment,” Rico Bucci wrote.
“In some places it will work, in others it won’t.”
“If it were a place that banned people over 55, there would be outrage,” Elizabeth Bizios wrote on Facebook.
But it has caught the attention of others in the restaurant sector, with some suggesting the idea could be expanded.
“Since my customers don’t read the menu, I suggested putting a sign on the door saying you have to be literate to get in here and they told me that would be discrimination,” wrote Andrew Bromund.
“If this can fly, my idea should be able to too.”
“It’s just something that older people can come do and have a happy hour, come eat good food and not have to worry about some of the younger people bringing some of that drama,” said assistant manager Erica Rhodes.
“Believe me when I say I’m from this area and I’ve worked in the industry for 20 years and this was put in place for a reason,” Becky Dowling added. “It’s smart that they do this.”
Others felt the restaurant may have misjudged its market.
“I can’t forget the words ‘exclusive’ and ‘Florissant’ in the same sentence,” wrote Melissa Mowday. “Born and raised and extremely confused lol.”
“I think you have to be 75 to really live in Florissant Missouri,” Janel Kane said.
But the pushback hasn’t discouraged Pate, who says he hopes to welcome those too young to dine.
“The younger ones can come patronize the business once they turn 30 or 35, because we’ll be here for a while,” he said.