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Food & Drink Hungry Memphis

Atomic Rose Opening Soon

MAS Properties, LLC. has taken over the Purple Haze nightclub property at Second and Lt. George W. Lee near Beale Downtown. They are planning to open an LGBTQ restaurant and dance club called Atomic Rose some time in the near future. The club is an investment for them, according to Valerie Morris of Morris Marketing Group, who is handling communications for the club.

Morris answered the following questions about Atomic Rose.

Why did the property appeal to the owners?
Downtown Memphis is thriving with new residences and Fortune 500 companies moving in. The Beale Street Historic District location is a great location for the club and our patrons allowing them to enjoy Atomic Rose as well as other Downtown entertainment offerings in the same evening easily.

Are they concerned by Purple Haze’s issues?
We are not concerned about prior history at this location. We are focused on providing a quality entertainment experience in a well-regulated environment.

What are they doing for security?
Safety and security of patrons and employees is a top priority. Security will be provided by Asset Protection Agency.

Is this primarily a dance club, a restaurant, or a night club?
Atomic Rose is a restaurant and dance club that offers a mix of high-energy entertainment programming five nights a week plus an extensive menu.

Why are the owners keeping it on the down low?
Management is complying with all applicable laws and following appropriate procedures for required permits. They are waiting for final approvals on licensing while moving forward with all other plans and look forward to announcing a grand opening soon.

What kind of events are the owners hoping to host?
Daily Entertainment Wednesday through Sunday at Atomic Rose is as follows:
Happy Hour every day until 7 p.m.
Karaoke from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Fridays and Saturdays featuring DJ Maverick spinning house music from 10 p.m. to midnight and DJ Haf-Def spinning House Mix Techno from 12:15 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Wednesdays — Atomic Retro Night with DJ Tree
Thursdays — Le Chic Night with DJ Space Age
Sundays — The Rose Review & Drag Show with DJ Maverick

The club is said to have “an outreach to focus on the LGBTQ community.” What does this mean?
Programming at Atomic Rose is designed to appeal to the LGBTQ community.

Is this the first LGBTQ club near/on Beale Street?
To our knowledge, there has not previously been any LGBTQ clubs on or near Beale Street.

What kind of vibe are you looking for?
Atomic Rose is high-energy, friendly, fun and welcoming environment

What kind of food will you serve? Any specialty cocktails?
The Atomic Rose menu offers a little something for everyone and serves entrees until 11 p.m. Appetizers and munchies include Potato Skins, Chili Cheese Fries, Chicken Quesadilla, and homemade mozzarella cheese balls among others.

Soups and salads include House, Chef, and Grilled chicken salads along with chili, homemade chicken noodle soup and secret recipe gumbo. Sandwiches include the Atomic Hamburger, spicy grilled chicken and the Atomic Club all served with French fries or onion rings.

Entrees are served with salad and bread and include Ribeyes, New York Strips, Spaghetti Dinner, Sautéed Catfish Dinner, Alfredo Shrimp Dinner, Fried Shrimp Dinner, and the Atomic Stir Fry.

Specialty Cocktails Include:
Atomic Fusion – Blue Note Bourbon, Bitters, dark syrup
Atomic Fallout – Aperol, Champagne, Soda
Nuclear Blast – Light and Dark Rum, Citrus, & Cherry
Memphis Mule – Blue Note Bourbon or Old Dominic Vodka, Lime Juice, Bitters, Simple Syrup, Ginger Beer

Categories
News News Blog

State Suspended Purple Haze’s Liquor License

Purple Haze/Facebook

The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) yanked Purple Haze’s liquor license on the same day owners of the nightclub said they were closing to “evaluate best practices.”

A statement from the state agency Monday said the decision came after a review of incidents at the club over the last two years, “including the sales of narcotics within the establishment, multiple assaults, and the recent shooting.” TABC Executive Director Clayton Byrd said the suspension was to ensure that “additional members of the public are not hurt.”

“We are very concerned about the recent shooting and the information that we have obtained from the Memphis Police Department which outlined multiple criminal violations that have occurred on or about the licensee’s premise,” Clayton said in a statement.

A shooting at Purple Haze last Monday sent four to hospitals. Club owners said the shooters somehow manage to sneak firearms past its security protocols.

TABC Special Agents were sent to the club to investigate. They conducted interviews, reviewed surveillance video footage, and collected evidence, according to the TABC.

“They worked closely with Memphis Police Department investigators who provided TABC with reports that had been used to obtain indictments for felony narcotics violations that stemmed from undercover operations not related to the recent shooting,” TABC said.

The suspension becomes permanent unless Purple Haze owners can persuade TABC officials against it during a hearing on November 4th.

Categories
News News Blog

Early Morning Shooting Comes After Club Allowed to Extend Hours

Purple Haze/Facebook

Four people were shot early Monday morning at the Purple Haze nightclub close to Beale Street, according to WREG, and the incident comes about two weeks after the club was legally allowed to stay open until 5 a.m.

The club and the area around it has been the site of numerous shootings, fights, and more, mostly in the early-morning hours. Monday’s shooters were able to sneak their guns through what Purple Haze owners called “strict security procedures.”

City officials and the Downtown Memphis Commission argued in court against the club being allowed to stay open until 5 a.m., like Beale Street clubs. They argued Purple Haze was not inside the Beale Street Historic District.

Club owners said they are “cooperating fully in the ongoing investigation into this unfortunate incident.”

“We offer our deepest sympathies and prayers for quick healing to those that were injured, including one of our very own security officers, in the altercation that happened at Purple Haze Nightclub early this morning.

“While measures were in place to detect the possession of firearms as patrons enter the club we are unsure at this time how those that discharged firearms were able to do so despite our strict security procedures.

“As the safety and security of our guests and employees are our utmost concern we are temporarily closing for two weeks to review operations.”

Categories
Calling the Bluff Music

Frayser Boy, Lil Wyte Perform at Not No Moe Album Release Party

frayser1.png

Academy Award-winning rapper Frayser Boy held an album release party for his latest project, Not No Moe, at the Purple Haze nightclub Wednesday night.

A few of the city’s notable rap artists came out to show support, including DJ Zirk (who actually hopped on the turntables for a second), Lil Wyte, Miscellaneous, Jason Da Hater, and Snootie Wild. Dennis Graham, the father of hip-hop star Drake, was even in the building.

After mingling with friends and supporters, Frayser hopped on stage to perform a couple cuts off Not No Moe. And fellow Bay Area representative Lil Wyte grabbed the mic to perform “Oxy Cotton” from his 2003 debut, Doubt Me Now.

Check out some brief footage I captured on my phone of the performances below.

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