Sneak Peek at Emerald City Lounge
What is this very unimpressive looking building doing getting a feature? Well, hopefully it will soon be a new bar in town.
Keith Cameron Smith, owner of Cameron's Catering, needed a bigger kitchen to work in for his company. He and his partner found a building and made an offer on it just last spring. They bought it in May 2009, and were quickly contacted by people interested in leasing the bar area of the building. At first, that seemed like their best choice, as Keith and his partner, Tim Denoyer, had no intentions of owning a bar. Unfortunately, as they began thinking about all the things that would need to be shared between the catering business and the people who leased the bar, there was too much shared space, and suddenly it seemed more complicated than useful.
Time went on, and they kept thinking about it, as otherwise it would be a lot of wasted space, and finally, it occurred to them that maybe they could kill two birds with one stone. Not only could they have a kitchen to use for the original business, but also they could build a bar lounge up from scratch, and create a place that all of their friends and family would enjoy.
While the name is a shout out to the gay community (look up "Are you a friend of Dorothy?" if you don't catch the reference), they hope they aren't immediately labeled as "just a gay bar." Keith is quick to point out that the idea is more for an inclusive bar where anyone would enjoy hanging out, while being GLBT friendly.
The bar is located just north of University, on First Street, across the street from the police station, at 118 North First Street. It will be 21+ entry, and Keith is hoping for it to be "a little bit 7 Saints, a little bit Soma, a little bit Boltini's." He's open to suggestions for entertainment, and is already looking into live music to feature. He's also open to DJs, though he's still working on getting the place put together, construction-wise. Get him talking about different furniture choices and the bar's color scheme, and you'll learn that he and his partner have obviously put a lot of thought into ideas for their bar.
One thing Keith is sure about is that he wants a heavy emphasis on great food. The bar floor plans list plenty of seating, from couches and small coffee tables for those who want to lounge, to walls lined with booths. The building allows an occupancy of 200 people, and the owners are ready to take on a hungry crowd while designing a full menu. After talking with Keith about his plans for daily specials on food and drink, as well as champagne brunch on Sundays, I'm definitely excited to check this place out.
While there have been some delays in construction (aren't there always?), Tim Denoyer and Keith Cameron Smith are planning on the end of June for opening. The hours will be typical bar hours: opening around 11 a.m. daily, with late closing on the weekends.
Their website is still under construction, but you can keep an eye out for announcements by checking out their Facebook page.
11 comments
Kiki B
Looking forward to it!!! It’s about time CU got an upscale GLBT bar…not that I don’t love the Street.
Well covered!!!!!
Annie Weisner
This sounds awesome! Can’t wait to try it out!
Cool! I’m just looking forward to the addition of a new business east of the railroad tracks. It’s always been a pity that (C Street aside) the underpass seems to be the dividing line between our vibrant, foot-trafficked downtown and the relative deadsville of east Champaign.
I love this bar “preview!” Looking forward to some fun summer evenings at this new establishment!
Natalia
modern and clean looking.. looks great.
Keith Cameron Smith
Thanks Beth—very nice article. We almost have the hardwood floors down/done. I am painting baseboards outside today and it is hotter than hades….I wish I could go in a mix up a frozen something….coming soon!
Katie
Looks Great. We can’t wait for great times with you guys in your new place!!
Stuart Laird
Nice article. The progress is looking good. I’m looking forward to the opening!
Kathy Harden
I’m looking forward to doing some music in this new venue…and if you like the way I sing Patsy Cline, I can do some serious wailin’ as Judy Garland! Just gimme a chance to sing some Over The Rainbow for ya! Can’t wait…
Aaron C
Awsome this town has needed an upscale GLBT bar have to go to Chicago for that glad you guys decided to open the Emerald City will be a regular patron :).The place looks great already.
WiltonDiary
This is the most exciting gay venue to open in Champaign since Joe McNamara opened the theBar on Chester Street, (aka C-Street.) in 1978, introducing disco and providing the largest multi-entertainment complex and gay destination in the Midwest.
(Unfortunately gay life has not been the same since Joe McNamara sold theBar to Ed Piraino in 1989, who then took the gay community back into the closet and the 18th century.)
Keith and Tim - Emerald City Lounge owners, have a reputation for quality standards and excellence. Champaign-Urbana, the state of Illinois and the Midwest are in for a pleasant surprise. Expect a non-stop party and a place to once again be gay and proud.
Bringing the local gay community into the 21st century, Emerald City Lounge is bound to be a great success.
Our best to Keith, Tim, Mark and staff.
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