Many of the day-shift girls from Honey's have moved to Centerfolds
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Many of the day-shift girls from Honey's have moved to Centerfolds
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Centerfolds trip report:
Looking to see how the fallout of the Frank club closures has been, I made my first ever trip to Centerfolds on Saturday afternoon. Here is my very lengthy feedback.
The club itself is off the beaten path over on 15th NW and 85th, just a few blocks' north of the Sands. It's nestled between two bars, and while there isn't much parking (although apparently the value village parking across the street is usable), the club inside is coming along.
The owner, whomever he may be, has apparently taken an active role in getting the club set up. There have been some renovations apparently, and additional furniture purchased, and the club itself (originally set up as a male-dancer club) has an okay layout. There's a single stage with an extended walkway and a set of chairs around it, and a back wall that faces the stage and has long cushy couches with tables and lamps.
There are raised VIP areas off the left and right of this with are adorned more like your parents living room; 3 armless long couches in a "C" shape, coffee table in the middle, with end tables and "Mom's living room" style dimmed lamps. However, it was kind of interesting there; I got a dance from one dancer while Carrington was lying down with some guy on the next couch over, so the whole experience felt more like one of those high school weekend makeout parties while your parents were away. A couple of dancers said the owner is going to replace those areas with more traditional high-backed chairs; sounds like since this place was principally a male dancer strip club, that the layout was set up differently (I'm guessing that women would go in the VIP in groups while the male dancer was on the table?).
Anyway, working this particular day were Janika, Carissa, Carrington, Demi, April, and Chris. There were maybe 3-4 guys in the club. I've heard several other dancers have come over, mostly Honey's dancers it sounds like. Ireland (I don't know her) had a post saying Wednesday (is this the same Lara Flynn Boyle lookalike, or a different one?) and Mason are also working here. I talked to a couple of the dancers, and they seem excited (except Chris, who has apparently been there since October as one of only a few female dancers, and apparently isn't looking forward to sharing the club with the other dancers showing up). The owner is actively improving things, and sounds like he's treating them with respect as well as soliciting their advice on improvements. The VIP areas are not patrolled in the slightest, as the one guy working alternated between the front desk and getting drink orders. The volume of this place is currently so low compared to say Rick's that they don't have cocktail waitresses.
I did encourage the dancers I spoke with to post their schedules/times at these clubs on the various boards, as that will attract the customer base. I think with the owner improving the place, and looking to do more advertising, there is the *potential* to build this up to a place with 15-20 dancers working at a time and 1. 5-2x that many customers. If that happens, the owner will be rolling in it.
### Good:
The owner seems accommodating to the rush of dancers from the closed clubs, so some of them have found a place to land (although their client base/foot traffic is not there yet). If the mileage improves and the high-backed chairs go in, once word spreads this could be a good place with a good pool of dancers and a good size of customers at any given time.
The owner seems determined to make this a working female-dancer strip club, and lots of dancers are making the trek over. The layout is reasonably nice, it's being improved/repaired, and if the VIP gets nice high-backed chairs it'll be an interesting setup. There isn't nearly the square footage here as with Rick's- the VIP will potentially seat about as many as Honey's VIP, although with more privacy- but at least the owner sounds like a half-decent guy and those who loathe the Deja Vu-owned clubs will have at least two independently owned clubs in the Seattle area to go to.
### Bad:
First, the bathroom is atrocious. It's moderately clean, but there's no door (just that you shaped entry style) and there's only a single stall- no urinal- also with no door and at the time no toilet paper. That bathroom really needs work!
Second, apparently the owner has made it clear he encourages "fun" dances, but no extras. While the VIP doesn't seem to be patrolled, they can see some things and if you're caught that's apparently it. Martina- who I thought was retiring post-Ricks, and who apparently gave FS dances at Rick's (hey, why did no one tell me? Hmph- I'd have danced with her more if that was the case, but thought she was HJ only and then not even that post-raid)- has apparently already been kicked out for having sex, and another dancer (didn't catch the name) was caught giving head and booted. So as of now, the dances involve grinding, flashing, but no HJ/BJ/FS.
One of the dancers thought this was just temporary- since she said the owner otherwise seems lenient and cool- at least until things pick up and get comfortable, but it's hard to tell. The SPD will never be oblivious to what goes on in these places, so you either go for it or you don't. As for now, Centerfolds doesn't seem like a place to supplant the Rick's of two years ago. Maybe if the owner has a change of heart, and those high-backed chairs go in, we'll have the ideal situation: any dancer can offer whatever she is comfortable offering, and there'll be a place for all dancer types and services.
I'd personally love to see the owner adopt my own philosophy of "extras" dances: don't try to stop it, but just follow the "plausible deniability" rule. If you can see as a manager/customer what's going on in the VIP (or when they have high-backed chairs) it should be stopped, but if no one can see it, then it's just a little fun being had between consenting adults. I am not a lawyer, so I'm not sure what culpability an owner would have who made a seemingly good faith effort to discourage such things while still knowing that what happens, happens. Besides their overall scumminess, I thought the Franks were done in because of evidence they encouraged it explicitly. World of difference; the girls can still take their chances if the owner is not in the line of fire.
### Amusing
Was talking to a dancer who mentioned that she was considering doing a lot more privates, but that the "money isn't as good as it was a few years ago", and she'd "only" get $500 compared to $1K a few years ago (and that some of her favorites "yell at her" because she's undercharging). Ha ha- like any guy would pay that much or *complain* that the prices were too low. Honey, you're a sweetheart, but absolutely no one is paying you $500/hr for private dances. Sofina206, an ex Deja Vu dancer and current escort, is one of the hotter escorts I've seen in ages: young, beautiful, smokingly lush body, very sensual and giving with terrific BBBJTC skills and she charges like $250/hr or so. I really don't think these dancers understand that $200/250 is actually plenty good money for a one hour or 90 minute appointment- you're not paying the house, you have no real risk of being caught, and if you pick your pool from regulars you meet at the club it's probably fairly safe.
I did get some interesting info about dancers from her, who said she thought my long-sought-after Ruby from Rick's 2 years ago had left the area (California or Texas; I'd heard from another dancer that she was riding a pedicab down by SafeCo just this past fall). And apparently when I told my story of how I first got started at Rick's with Candy Cotton bursting my strip club VIP cherry way back when, she shocked me by saying CC was still working in the area! I'm surprised at that shelf life so where the heck is Sharise at, I'd like some private dances! And even then, in 2002/2003 or so a reasonably good looking dancer like Candy Cotton was only charging $400 for unclocked, multi-hour PSE type sessions. It puts a lie to the idea that "Microsoft VPs" are paying these women $500-$1K for a private session.
Ricksfan, thanks for the thorough description of Centerfolds.
I went last week and had a very similar experience. I saw Anna, Carrington, Rene and two other Ricks daytime dancers (can't remember their names).
All the dancers I talked to had mentioned seeing or hearing about a couple of dancers getting fired for "excessively nasty dancing". I got two dances with no extra's.
Basically, the daytime dancers I knew from Ricks are getting settled in and are a little afraid of doing extra nasty dances.
I also had two different dancers give me the 500/hr for private dancing speech with added hilarity about how they used to charge 800 to 1,000 per hour. I simply said, "if you can get 500/hr, take it!" I also tell them about this web site, TnA and TRB. Both dancers that talked to me were steadfast in their insistance that they get 500/hr.
All the Dancers did say that the owner was putting money into the club to "fix it up". I didn't hear about anything specific, just he's going to fix the place up.
Lastly, I did hear that many dancers went to the Vu and hated it there. So, right now, it looks like Centerfolds or nothing.
Stopped in late afternoon.. 2 cover with in and out privileges. Nice clean club. Cameras back by the private dance area. Also, the floor manager/bouncer made sure to stop by during every single song. Girls ran 6-8. Mileage potential about zero.
[QUOTE=Chubbybear]Stopped in late afternoon.. 2 cover with in and out privileges. Nice clean club. Cameras back by the private dance area. Also, the floor manager/bouncer made sure to stop by during every single song. Girls ran 6-8. Mileage potential about zero.[/QUOTE]I was confused, after tonight's Mariners game I realized my mistake. Sorry for any confusion.
Re: Ricks Fan
Thanks for the very detailed review on Centerfolds. I too was there on Saturday afternoon and made similar observations. I do hope management follows through with the proposed upgrades because most of the "new" customers that they are trying to attract (from the Frank's clubs) will have been accustomed to somewhat better facilities.
Besides the main stage, and VIP areas (I liked your description of the Mom's living room lamps and sofas) the shared bathroom(singular) must be improved. I am not accustomed to a Euro type unisex bathroom, but I had to go and found myself facing an open stall (2 total) and a dancer combing her hair and adjusting makeup to my backside(hmmm_just like at home). This space will need improvement in quantity and in features in order to accommodate a large crowd.
I was told also that VIP booths are on the way, that more lighting is going in and that the center "runway" is to be removed and replaced with more tables and chairs.
Another piece of information I gathered when I asked what girls from other clubs were there was the same comment about Martina. Since she has been my ATF for quite sometime over at Ricks I was interested. I have not spoken to her since she left Ricks however she told me she would be working full-time at her regular job and not dancing. So I was somewhat puzzled, enough so that I called the manager aside and asked for information. His reply that they have not hired/fired anyone by that name or description. So I left there unsure of what went down, if anything.
Tuesday, today, I visited again and had a long conversation with another former Rick's dancer who has been there everyday since the "guys" left, and is friendly with Martina. She said absolutely not true. She and the manager looked a list of applications and the roster and confirmed that Martina has never even applied to work there. The dancer that gave you the info. Must have been the same one that gave it me on Sat. While I was there today this dancer(name withheld_but you know who she is) arrived and was confronted with what she told me, she denied saying it! The manager and the everyday dancer said as far as they know Martina has never set foot in the place.
So don't feel too bad about not dancing more with Martina and missing out on extras. I have been dancing with her mainly for the past three years (and don't consider myself a fool where extras are involved) but your observations about pre/post raid extras from her at Ricks were very close to accurate(I. E. Minimal). I'm sure there are those out there who will say that is not true, but that is my take on her.
One other interesting piece of info. Was that the second dancer you mentioned who was fired, was fired for the reason you stated, but she has been the only casualty thus far and is scheduled to return.
In summary:
1. The club was slow on both days (dayshift: Sat. & Tues.) when I was there.
2. Improvements need to be made to attract customers that are accustomed to better facilities
3. Some of these dancers will lie (LOL)
4. Ricks Fan I always like to read your detailed reviews and comments here and on the other board(I just wish that "Yeoman" character would develop a painful case of "carpal tunnel")
[QUOTE=Twohands1212]Well the Bear is up and running again, ans as I am a transplant to this City I never saw it before all the weird rules.[/QUOTE]Every time I've passed by there is no indication that anything is open, just the faded sign and a "Hiring Showgirls" banner that is looking more and more pathetic.
I wouldn't know which door to try.
Are they really open? How do they expect anyone to find them?
[QUOTE=Shyperv]Every time I've passed by there is no indication that anything is open, just the faded sign and a "Hiring Showgirls" banner that is looking more and more pathetic.
I wouldn't know which door to try.
Are they really open? How do they expect anyone to find them?[/QUOTE]I spoke with the owner, he's keeping a low profile atm. I guess last time they were open he had some protesters and other kill joy's around.
From my understanding, if the old arrow shaped sign is out, they're open. Just walk in through the Magazine shop.
Again if anyone has any info on it's original incarnation I'd love to hear the story.
2H
[QUOTE=Twohands1212]From my understanding, if the old arrow shaped sign is out, they're open. Just walk in through the Magazine shop.[/QUOTE]Well, if they are being low key, I wonder how they are going to make enough money to keep the doors open.
I hope I recognize the "old arrow shaped sign" when I see it. I'd like to check this place out. Good experience or bad experience, at least I'll have a story.
[QUOTE=Shyperv]I hope I recognize the "old arrow shaped sign" when I see it. I'd like to check this place out. Good experience or bad experience, at least I'll have a story.[/QUOTE]I dropped by yesterday just t see how it all worked. Inside the bookstore, in the back, there's a door. At the time, it said "Dancing Bare is CLOSED. Hours: 5pm-2am, Tuesday through Saturday. "
So there we go. Not much of a daytime scene, since it opens at 5. More of a "just after work" kind of scene.
Guess I'll have to drop by when it's open.
Well I finally went to a washington strip club, I've been boycotting them due to the lack of booze although I have been unofficially once with a girl I was dating who was a dancer and once with the owner and a group of freinds but those two times I didn't spend any money or interact with any of the other dancers as a customer.
Anyhow it was raining Saturday and there wasnt much action on the streats but it was still early and the rain was starting to let up so I thought I'd check out little darlings and wait and see if any more SW could come out. $20 cover includes bottomless drinks $20 private dances sometimes theyd have a special 3 for $40 lots of hot women some not so much one of which I'm sure I've seen on the strolls before but I didn't want to ask on the chance shed be offended. I got about four dances right when I got there good grinding with lots of roaming on my part. Private booths with open curtains and cameras over every one plus a manager walking through on every dance. I asked whats he doing she said hes counting dances, I'm thinkin yeah and making sure we don't do anything were not supposed to. Afterwords another girl promised that her dancers were worth it hinting at some kind of extras but after seeing the setup I didn't buy it although she was really tempting. I stayed for awhile waiting for the one hot girl that I saw to dance but she never did and my buzz wore off so I left. Damage $100 I'm not sure if I'll be doing it again anytime soon its just not as much fun without booze.
[QUOTE=Bssmrk]I didn't buy it although she was really tempting. I stayed for awhile waiting for the one hot girl that I saw to dance but she never did and my buzz wore off so I left. Damage $100 I'm not sure if I'll be doing it again anytime soon its just not as much fun without booze.[/QUOTE]My friend, consider also the fun of posting to this forum while sober.
[QUOTE=Rico Roberto]My friend, consider also the fun of posting to this forum while sober.[/QUOTE]What is that supposed to mean?
I stopped in to check things out last night around 10PM. $5 cover and a couple bucks for a can of pop.
When I got there Champagne (light black, small breasts, big booty) was on stage. A second girl, Black Diamond (light black, larger girl, Huge breasts) was running the music. They alternated each two songs. After a while an anorexic looking Jade (white, tiny bumps of breasts, ribs showing) came in. They then switched to a one song rotation.
They were offering a $20 couch dance and $25 for the peep show room. The couch area was very open and people heading out back for a smoke would walk pass, no privacy there. The peep area was two small rooms divided by glass. There were a few chairs in the viewer room if you want to watch as a group. The girl went to the other room and would dance fully nude. There was a microphone for talking between the rooms. I did not sample either the couch or the peep show. They also had a drum kit and guitars up there just in case you feel like a little live music.
The shop owner would pop in every few minutes from the bookstore. He sat down and chatted with people occasionally. When we talked he said that assuming this takes off he'll open in Tacoma as well if nothing else to get a mix of girls that could be swapped between the locations.
We talked about the House of Pancakes. He said that when that project popped up he got a call "strongly encouraging" him to reactived his license. I.E. if you EVER want to do something else in Seattle... House of Pancakes was going to be another Deja Vu project and he got the impression that "they" don't want to have too much of a Vu monopoly in Seattle.
[QUOTE=Shyperv]I dropped by yesterday just t see how it all worked. Inside the bookstore, in the back, there's a door. At the time, it said "Dancing Bare is CLOSED. Hours: 5pm-2am, Tuesday through Saturday. "
So there we go. Not much of a daytime scene, since it opens at 5. More of a "just after work" kind of scene.
Guess I'll have to drop by when it's open.[/QUOTE]