A Missouri man recently went viral after opening a restaurant that limits the age of entry to diners 30 and above.
KSDK News reports after Marvin Pate and his wife opened the restaurant two weeks ago, they began to receive backlash for their unconventional rule.
The restaurant Bliss is located in St. Louis County. The owner described it as “a home away from home.” Pate said, “You can come here and actually feel like you’re at a resort. People will feel like they’re on a vacation.” All of the chefs are Jamaican. However, you have to find a different destination if you have yet to hit the 30s+Club.
Marvin stated that he wanted to create a space so “older people” would have a spot to enjoy. Additionally, he wants to avoid the rowdiness some young customers can bring. The Assistant Manager, Erica Rhodes, said the older crowd can enjoy “happy hour, come get some good food, and not have to worry about some of the young folks who bring drama.”
From Wednesday to Sunday after 7 p.m., guests who look younger than 30 years old are required to show their ID at the entrance. A hostess or a St. Louis police officer verifies the customer’s age.
Bliss’ owner acknowledged the hate they’ve received for their rules. “Of course, we have been getting a little backlash because of our policy, but that’s OK, we’re sticking to our code,” Marvin stated. Moreover, he said the feedback on the age restriction has been positive overall.
Rhodes added,“I would tell those younger ones to come patronize the business once you turn 30 or 35 because we’re going to be here for a while.”
A patron at the restaurant, Fernando Smith, told KSDK, “[Pate] has a policy that suits the clientele that he’s trying to draw in.” He added, “…me being 65, I think he’s on the right track.”
