Sometimes businesses know their clientele and one Caribbean restaurant just outside of St. Louis is making it known that it only welcomes people over 30 who are “grown and sexy."
The restaurant in question is named Bliss and recently went viral for its strange age restriction that allows only women over 30 and men at least 35 in order for the owners to keep a client base for its “grown and sexy” atmosphere.
“This policy is in place to ensure a mature, sophisticated, and safe dining environment for everyone,” the restaurant said in a Facebook post.
While speaking with KSDK News about the restaurant’s rules, the owner, Marvin Pate, shared that they have been polarizing to customers but are necessary to keep out a rowdy younger crowd.
Bliss opened in May and offers several Caribbean favorites as well as tropical cocktails on its menu, along with hookahs for patrons. Still, the restaurant is not open for anyone under 30, which its staff maintains is for the best.
“It’s just something for the older people to come down and have a happy hour, come get some good food, and not have to worry about some of the young folks who bring some of that drama,” assistant manager Erica Rhodes told KSDK News.
In another post on Facebook, Bliss said that its happy hours are meant to be civilized and “strictly for the grown and sexy, so we’re keeping it classy — ladies 30 and up, fellas 35 and up.”
While the younger crowd may not be happy with the age exclusivity of the restaurant, others have shared their appreciation, with many voicing their feelings on Facebook.
“Some people wanna celebrate or kick it to a different vibe sometimes,” one person posted. “Bliss gives you that. I think this is what the city needs.”
Still, some point out that age is not necessarily a dictator of someone’s actions.
“Age does not guarantee behavior, as there are individuals above the age of 30-35 who may still engage in disruptive behavior,” one wrote. “It’s crucial to address the issue of behavior rather than solely focusing on age restrictions.”
But Pate doesn't seem like he’s planning on changing any time, telling KSDK that despite the backlash, they plan on “sticking to our code.”