In the past, we’ve shared a lot of opinions about ‘No Kids’ policies at sit-down restaurants. But today we look at a new resto with a new admission rule that ups the ante significantly. You must be over 30 to eat there!
It’s believed to be a global first, and it’s stirring up controversy in both the mainstream and online media. The philosophy behind the rule is sound, but is the dining public ready for it?
Amid pastoral splendor
The dining spot getting all the glare is Bliss, opened just month by Marvin Pate in Florissant, Missouri. The town is situated plumb in the middle of the Missississpi Valley, amid pastoral splendor. It’s a bastion of the Old School for more than 280 years. But Bliss is out to stir things up. The menu fea-tures ‘upmarket’ Caribbean cuisine, and all the chefs are Jamaican. The resto is already renowned for its Jerked Lamb Chop.
But it’s not the exotic fare that has folks chattering. It’s the age limit. You have to be over 30 to get in.
What’s the rule?
The resto’s Facebook page makes its policy clear: “To ensure a grown and sexy atmosphere, we require all guests to be 30 or older for women and 35 or older for men. This policy helps us maintain a sophisticated environment, uphold our standards, and support the sustainability of our unique ambiance.”
What’s the rationale?
“It’s just something for the older people to come do and [spend] a happy hour, come get some good food and not have to worry about […] the young folks who bring some of that drama,” Bliss’ Assistant Manager Erica Rhodes told local news outlet KSDK.
“I think Bliss is a home away from home,” the Pate said. “You can come here and actually feel like you’re at a resort. People will feel like they’re on a vacation.”
He added, “Of course, we have been getting a little backlash because of our policy, but that’s okay. We’re sticking to our code.”
About that…
Pace is totally serious about his unusual age restrictions. In fact, he employs ‘bouncers’ to ‘card’ would-be customers. That, alone has roused some comment around town. Some critics have actually labelled the policy ‘ageist’.
On the wider stage, the mere quirkiness of the age limit triggered the jungle telegraph. Bliss has gone viral. When the Today show ‘reviewed’ Bliss ‘by wire’, the hosts predictably quoted the ‘grown and sexy’ line… But that’s just more free publicity for the resto.
My take
I’d go to a resto that catered to older folks. I sure don’t have to worry about the age limit. And I know a lot of other folks who would, too.
Not to mention that I love Caribbean food! If Bliss’s is as authentic as they say, I’d be first in line. And considering the probable dearth of such restos in the Missouri countryside, you’d probably have to go to Kansas City (a 3.5 hour drive) to find another Jamaican eatery…
~ Maggie J.