Come fall, the club formerly known as Velvet Underground expects its clients to dress a bit more respectably.
Manager Preston Henderson says the club will be bringing in a new dress code.
“No sports jerseys, no track suits or sweat pants,’’ Henderson said.
“Not a lot of people who come here are dressed like that but there are those that do (and) sometimes the very few can make it look like the place that really accepts this and we want people to leave here with a good impression . . . of the clientele.’’
Velvet is currently undergoing significant renovations which include the construction of a new outdoor deck and picnic area. It will also be changing its name.
Henderson said the dress code stops at ball caps.
“We’re not going as far as some other bars in town and (banning) baseball caps. We’re not going that far. A lot of people in Charlottetown like to wear hats. A lot of people do and we don’t want to take that away from them.’’
It’s all part of an attempt to transform the club, give it a new image. That new image is going to emphasize food service.
“If there are customers coming in here that are taking the time to do themselves up and look good when they go out for the evening, I think they want to be surrounded by people who have done the same.’’
With the help of the city’s heritage program, the club has renovated the exterior of the building with brick while changes are ongoing inside as well. Henderson said they’ll also be hiring a second chef.
Henderson said they’re hoping to have the renovations finished by Saturday. After that, they hope people who haven’t given the club a chance before do so then.
“It starts with a dress code and starts with redoing the inside of the bar as well that will attract people to come in.’’
