Offering live music and featuring a new menu, Red Deer’s new night hotspot is now open.
The Lux Lounge, formerly the Olive (4928C 50 St), is now under new ownership.
A group of six Red Deerians — with the main partners Dana Carlson, Mario Côté and Daniel Christen — took over the venue about a month ago.
Carlson said there are some changes with the Lux Lounge but it will continue to support local music and local art.
He said they want to cater to professionals and business patrons.
“We want to try to provide a bit of a community where they can get to know each other, network and bolster local businesses,” said Carlson, who is a local lawyer and works in concert promotion.
The lounge will be open Tuesday to Saturday with open mic on Tuesdays and likely live music on Thursdays and Saturdays.
A new system has been installed to improve the sound. Carlson said the Lux may bring in some special acts but they are limited by space.
A new menu is in the works and will feature items like gourmet flat bread pizza. Carlson said they are considering having specials, such as cheese fondue nights.
The liquor menu will include specialty spirits and wines.
The renovations are not wrapped up but changes include relocating the main stage a central spot near the entrance of the bar, adding chandeliers, new seating and wall paper.
The washrooms are also getting a face lift.
Because there are acts booked to play the venue, the work is being done when the bar is closed. The Lux Lounge officially opened on Tuesday.
The name pays homage to the original name of the spot, Deluxe Lounge. The Velvet Olive was operated and owned by Penny Elliott since 2004 before Peter McGee took over last year. McGee said it was with mixed emotions that he sold the business but he is ready to move on.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com