Stopped in for the first time...

Stopped in for the first time since November. A couple of my favorites there had moved on, so I didn't see the need. What a difference a couple months made. Dancers were still fairly decent. Couple newbies, couple vets, varying ages, colors and sizes. Surprised that the lot was so, um, empty. Ownership has either changed or got desperate for mortgage payments. First curious clue, a guy outside needing to "pat down" the customers. Same $10 cover. Same $4 drinks. Same short-cut songs on bizarre 3 for $30 "specials." This time though, club apparently enforces a $25 per song charge with $5 to the club and $20 to the girl (and likely still takes a cut from the girl. I found this out after I'd talked to a pleasant blond. I'd planned to do at least two dances, probably three with her. When I found out about the pricing plan, I cut it at one. In hindsight, I should have just given her the $10 to $15 she'd have gotten from her cut of that dance and split. OK dance, nice girl. But to expect a customer to pay $25 a dance with no chance of a volume discount for a dance with a girl wearing pasties and bikini bottoms? Gas could soar back up to almost $5 a gallon and it's still a better deal to drive to Tampa ... or a couple miles down the road to the Paper Moon, which I did.

All told, because I tip at the stage, I spent $51 in the club (which got the $10 cover, $4 drink, $5 from me for the dance and it's cut from the dancer). I'd planned to drop a little over $200. I have to believe the club would have made more under that scenario.

If I hear management/ownership has changed I may head back in but this may be my last visit of 2009. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if they folded tent after the Super Bowl leaves town in Tampa.