Fraters Libertas

Naked Ambition

In yesterday's Pioneer Press, Laura Billings reported on the attempts of a couple of entrepreneurs to open up a business that just might get some business in downtown St. Paul after hours.

"an upscale establishment where the public can enjoy an adult beverage, dine from a limited menu and be approached by adult entertaining women" who just happen to be wearing very little clothing

That's right, a strip joint in the heart of the Saintly City. But this wasn't going to be some sleazy flesh pit. Instead, they had plans to make it a sort of living history experience, an affectionate ode to Prohibition-era St. Paul:

They envisioned a gentleman's club called "Boot-Leggers" ... their place would honor St. Paul's history as the one-time home of gangster-owned speakeasies and the risque women they ran with. According to these entrepreneurs, "We respect and recognize the current statutes and do not intend to create a place for men only to view naked women. We feel we will actually clean up the nastiness of the average gentleman's club.''

But their dream died an early death when the building owner rejected their proposal in the name of seeking a more conventional tenant. And it seems the two entrepreneurs who hatched this scheme are now somewhat embarrassed over their efforts. They went as far as asking Laura Billings to keep their names out of the newspaper - which she did.

However, she did quote one of the gentlemen in question, and I think it may have inadvertently identified the man behind this plan:

"I'd really appreciate it if you wouldn't use our names,'' one of the two backers asked me on Monday. "It was just our shot in the dark to try to make some good money, and, well, c'est la vie ? '' (Emphasis added.)

I applaud Mitch Berg's attempt to find an innovative way to bring some traffic to downtown St. Paul on non-Wild game nights. And I applaud his innovative attempts to create some revenue for himself, until he's able to secure permanent work in his chosen field.

Although I agree with her conclusion, I must say that Laura Billings does mischaracterize my personal feelings on this matter:

Yet the fact that St. Paul was not quite ready for a bikini bar should not deter those other dreamers out there with development plans of their own.

Actually, I think I am ready (oh God, am I ready). In fact, I'm all for it, as long as they keep it out of my neighborhood. So Mitch, don't let one prudish landlord dissuade further attempts to realize your dream. The night your new joint opens, reserve a spot for me on blogger's row.

(And don't rule out "Shot in the Dark" as the name for the place. Co-branding like this could really increase your traffic. Plus, it would look great in pink neon).