Rating the chains

My experience with chains (deja vu) = higher prices & lower milage. Not a good combination.

My experience is the same as mjx01. I figure there are at least 3 strikes against the chains:

1) They are managed by a central office, which probably means they streamline their procedures - mileage-wise - to the lowest common denominator. That way, all the clubs operate the same with the least amount of risk.

2) They have more to lose with a bust, so again, they may tend to play it tamer than always necessary.

3) They have large(r) advertising/marketing budgets, so they can offer less and still pack in the crowds - two trends which I'd rather avoid.

So, 3 strikes and their out of my consideration, as compared to locally run clubs.

Whoops - the word "their" should've been "they're" in the last sentence. I hate it that we can't go back to edit our posts...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Walking into chain clubs ( directed mainly towards DV SR chains), I know a certain minimum standard will be met in club furnishings, and dancer attractiveness, but they will never make it to satisfaction/enjoyment level of such independent/small local chain of the likes of Mons Venus, Brass Flamingo ( Indy ), Baby Dolls- Dallas, Hi liter (PHX), Bourbon Street Circus (PHX), and I would imagine some others I haven't been to lately like Tootsies, Cheetahs-LV, OG-LV, and the "Chapel"(Church??) in Houston. The big chains are simply too programmed/gimmicky/ pricey for feeling like you truly had a good time and got decent value. I'm considering writing an article about my specific area choices in chain club areas.

I do not go to many chain clubs because I suspect the mileage will be lower and the cost will be higher. Since I am interested in high mileage at a reasonable price I seek out independent clubs that operate with more flexibility. I agree that the chains have a lot more to lose and will keep all activity below a level that might attract LE.
I think you can make an analogy to pre-corprate Vegas and the current Vegas. In the old days (mid 60's and before) the Las Vegas casinos were very liberal in their comp policies and would be kind to even the casual gambler. Now they only want the high end customer and ignore the average guy. I no longer go to Vegas for the same reason I avoid high end or chain stripclubs, I feel like they don't appreciate my business.

I don't think I've ever been into a national chain strip club. The closest that I've come to is the small Foxy Lady chain, which used to have more than one club in MA & one in FL I believe. The only two that they have now (one in RI & one in MA) aren't much alike IMHO, and the main differences are related to the state's rules (or lack thereof in RI up until recently) for the sex industry. Both are what I would call "upscale" clubs, for what it's worth.

There are a few clubs (usually in groups of two) in downtown Montreal that are apparently owned by the same management, but none of them rise to the level of chains IMHO.

The mileage at chains might be more expensive but it is usually in line with the other clubs in the city. For example, Hustler chain in Detroit is owned by Deja Vu but the mileage is on par with Detroit. Also I have heard good things about Deja Vu in City of Industry.

When you want a really good meal, do you go to a chain or an independent?

Chains tend to be generic, while independents tend to cater more to the areas wants and needs.

I suspect Bogart's, Henry's North, Henry's South, and John's Hot Spot qualify as a chain. They're 180 degrees from the Deja Vu's which plague the west coast.

Though I've been to Hustler in Detroit twice for lengthy visits, I've never even bought a dance there as the prices quoted are just unrealistic unless you haven't been anywhere else.

The reviews on TUSCL pretty much tell it all. I tend to avoid chains as I prefer smaller clubs (ok, I like dive bars). I have had OK times at a few chain clubs, but never a great time.

Minnow hit on an important concept - the programmed/gimmicky/pricey nature of most chain clubs. I find the over-the-top corporate-style marketing of larger chains turns me off. I feel like a lemming they're trying to lure in and then razzle/dazzle with lots of hype to separate me from my money. It's too much clinical, homogenized, and pre-packaged schmaltz for my taste. I just want cool, sexy, and liberal mileage dancers in a comfortable and modestly-priced environment who enjoy bringing smiles to the faces of appreciative customers.

Thanks for all the comments. Let me flesh out my own observations. I wonder how much central management there really is of many of the chains. The only chain that I have been to more than one location of is DV. The DV Industry is a fine club while the DV Ontario was a big dissappointment. The clubs are about 20 miles apart and I could not imagine the same regional manager not making the one live up to the standards of the other. On the flip side I do not see an independent club spending the kind of money that it would take to develop their timing system. However reading reviews of other DV clubs apparently not every one has those timers, which also points to weak central management.

On the other hand I read the detailed reviews of one SR location and I can almost imagine tht they are talking about the one that I have visited. SR gives much more of an impression of being a tight ship.

Good thread, inno. Out of curiosity, are you a dancer, club owner/mgr, employee, or otherwise have a business relationhip with club (eg- consultant, etc.).

My take: SR Chain projects a more upscale image vs Deja Vu, which is a McClub kind of place. My experience with SR has been in SoCal clubs, which is their main concentration. Being in/near COI, mileage is very good, but I'm not sure if their Boise, Lexington, or Dallas locations would mirror COI/ LA Downtown experience. On the downside, higher than average prices, extremely clipped song lengths, and high pressure "BTLAD" keeps this chain from being a slam dunk 1st choice for the area.

Deja Vu has a greater number of clubs, and more geographic diversity. They are almost universally nude juice bars. In many cases, they are in areas with little/no meaningful competition. I went to several such areas many years ago. In my current situation visiting club dense areas, DV clubs aren't high on my wish list.

from my experiences the chains usually have cuter/hotter dancers but are usually more expensive and offer less mileage.

harrydave recently visited Rick's cabaret in Las Vegas and rated it a 7.00. Pretty good review...I wonder if he is a shareholder lol

In many cases, the "chains" aren't really chains. They are often franchisees who simply buy the use of the name, logo and a few service marked features. Deja Vu corporate may own some major market clubs. But most of the rest are independent or small regional groups. There is a HUGE difference between DJV clubs, sometimes even in the same city or state. Some are great, some are terrible. My impression of Spearmint Rhino is that it's more of a true corporate chain. However, my experience with them is limited to Vegas. It's my opinion that the biggest factor in the success of a club is local management, the rules and policies it sets and how it administers those rules. Much like a bar or restaurant. Great local management often means great success and many repeat customers.