We interviewed owners RJ and Cliff about what their businesses offer the community and what changes they’ve seen in the community over the last year that they’ve been open.
“I think a lot of people that criticize us say that we’re a twinky bar or something like that, and I don’t think so. I think fags look a lot younger than their age. …I think the average age [in our establishment] is about 28 to 35. But people see what they want to see. About 98% of our clientele is gay, but a lot of newcomers who are testing the waters come in with their girlfriends and leave with boys. We have an extremely high conversion rate,” they joked.
“We’ve sponsored the Western Cup, we’ve done the ARGRA Rodeo and sponsored the DC Cowboys, and had free burgers and draft beer after the events… We’ve done a lot for World AIDS day with the Court [last year], and we also said to them that any time they want to do a function here, with the food and dinner show, they’re more than welcome. …I’ve always said I will not allow any organization to come in and push booze on my customers. It’s one thing for a customer to come to a bar station and order booze. It’s another thing when an organization comes to you on the floor and blackmails you…and I don’t believe customers should be hassled into that kind of situation. You can do a zillion other types of fundraising – car washing, bake sales, anything that brings the community together and showcases their talents.”
“I think more people are out in the community, more comfortable. …We used to visit other places and at 12:30 and you could shoot a cannon in the place, and we’d wonder ‘where is everybody going’? I think now we’ve brought a lot of new faces into the fold and when we’re full at 11:00 on a Saturday night, that’s something to say.”
Twisted Element will celebrate their 1st anniversary this month, on November 12th.
The Twisted Element
1006 11th Avenue SW
(403) 802-0230
Classification: Dance Club, Restaurant
Typical Crowd: Mostly gay/lesbian, sometimes straight. Twinks, Cowboys, Leather, Business Men.
Average Age: 18-50
Established: Nov 12th, 2004
Size: 6000 sq. ft. upstairs, 5500 sq. ft. downstairs (coming soon)
Approx. Capacity: 380 upstairs, ~150 downstairs
Floors: 2 (main, basement)
Consumables: Alcoholic beverages, Slushies, Full Food Service, Cigarettes
Entertainment: DJs, Drag Shows, Contests, Karaoke, Line Dancing Lessons, Live Bands, Hypnotists, Television, Movies
Activities: Dancing, Pool Tables (2), Touch-screen Games (2), Conversation (downstairs)
Features: Coat Check
