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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Dan George
Club at Firestone
(407) 872-0066 x12 (Office)
(407) 948-5598 (Cellular)
(407) 872-"0066 (Fax)
dgeorge@theclub-online.com
http://www.theclub-online.com
THE CLUB AT FIRESTONE, FLAGSHIP OF THE ORLANDO GAY COMMUNITY, MOVES
IN A NEW DIRECTION
As of November 25, The Club at Firestone's long-running gay night
will target a more mainstream market. The new everyone-friendly
night will feature similar entertainment, but will be marketed to
a mixed-preference audience. The decision stems from a decrease
in alcohol sales and increased drug use in the gay community. In
recent years, the once-profitable gay night has taken a backseat
to more profitable straight-targeted promotions. As
a flagship of the gay community, the Club will retain its history
and use its legacy to lead the community in a positive direction.
Throughout
the seven-year history of The Club at Firestone, one night has had
a consistent message. Since 1993, the club has been known nationally
and internationally for its highly acclaimed gay Saturdays. The
night featured national circuit DJs, drag performers and muscle
boys. Most of Orlando's gay residents have visited the venue at
one time or another, and many of them call the club home. Every
week, visitors travel from as far as Atlanta, Tampa and Miami to
partake in the "Firestone Experience."
Despite
the consistent message and attendance, one aspect of the night's
profitability has been on the decline. Drink sales to the gay community
has decreased by 75% in seven years, which can be directly attributed
to a visible increase in illicit drug use. Drug use creates additional
liability for the club, and endangers it liquor license. The decrease
in alcohol sales has more than halved the night's profitability.
The night was sustained as a service to the club's patrons and the
gay community. Now that the community has other options, the night
will move in a direction that makes better business sense.
"Our
history has a lot of value," stated Marketing Director Dan
George. "We will continue to support the community that has
supported us for so many years." The Club plans future involvement
in the AIDS Walk and other benefits, hosting of social events, and
donations to gay charities. A top priority is to increase awareness
of the drug epidemic that currently plagues the gay community. A
fresh weekday promotion for the gay community is in the works, and
will be unveiled in the coming months.
Saturday
nights will continue to feature similar entertainment, but there
will be an additional marketing push towards bringing in a more
mainstream crowd. Additional information about the new promotion
will be forthcoming.
For
more information, contact Dan George at (407) 872-0066 x12.
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