Night club an evolution in Athens

by Camden Easterling
Staff Writer

With lights flashing and music thumping, people took a sneak peak at Evolution nightclub Thursday night.

At 19 S. Court St., Evolution filled the former location of Night Court. Evolution's owners, Ohio University seniors Sean Kass and Mike Perino, officially open the club tonight at 9. Patrons must be 21 or older and meet the established dress code.

Jeans and hats are not allowed. And tennis shoes are frowned upon, as the club's owners have not decided whether to ban them. Bouncers at the door will turn away anyone not properly attired.

The dress code is more relaxed Monday through Thursday. But patrons still should not expect to get in wearing hats or otherwise not meeting the dress code, Kass said.

Kass and Perino have been planning to open a club for more than two years, looking to clubs in Detroit, where they grew up, as their model.

"It's going to be more of an upscale nightclub, a big city club," Kass said. "This is going to surprise a lot of people."

The owners bought the restaurant company that operated Night Court and took over the full liquor license.

There is a cover at the door, which varies depending on the day. But women always pay less than men. Evolution will host larger events throughout the year, with bigger name DJs, where prices will be slightly higher.

The club's floor plan includes two floors, patio seating and a $25,000 light and sound system. An additional seating area, the Aqua Lounge, will be added sometime in October, Kass said.

Kass said he and Perino have spent about $85,000 from outside investors on renovations.

After interviewing more than 250 people, the owners settled on a staff of about 25, Kass said.

"I like the club scene," said Mackenzie Hafner, Evolution cocktail waitress and OU fifth-year senior. "(Evolution) is very different for Athens and I wanted to be a part of it".

OU senior Justin Sanker, Evolution bartender, said he thought the DJs and the dress code will attract club-goers.

"It will make Athens a fancier place," he said.

Kass said he thinks the club will do well because he and Perino intend to offer people the type of club that others have attempted to provide, but have failed.

"No one has done it right, and we're going to do it right," Kass said.