$20 cover weekday early afternoon--no way

This is less a review than an FYI on cover charge. I hadn't been to BE in ages so I stopped by on a Thursday at 1pm. The places opens at 11 so maybe there would be a pulse by 1. But the signs were not promising when I pulled into the parking lot--completely empty in front with a few cars in toward the back, I assumed were dancers'. No valet yet so I parked in one of the ample spaces.

As soon as I entered the foyer I could tell there was nothing going on. Very quiet, no music, and peeking through the curtain I saw an empty stage. A single dancer was sitting at a table by herself. If ever there was a time to let a customer in without a cover this was it. At least fill a couple of seats. Then the doorman said "$20 please". I said thanks, turned around and left. I don't patronize establishments with so little business sense. Nothing more need be said.