A Missouri restaurant is turning heads and ruffling feathers with its bold new-age policy.
In an effort to cultivate a “mature and sophisticated” ambiance, Bliss Restaurant in Florissant, Mo., a near St. Louis eatery, is instituting a strict age restriction—no women under 30 and no men under 35 are allowed after 7 PM from Wednesday through Sunday.
According to the owner, Mr. Marvin Pate, 36, and assistant manager Erica Rhodes, this bold move aims to cultivate an oasis of maturity and sophistication for an older crown seeking to indulge in Caribbean flavors without the “drama” from younger folks.
“The restaurant is just something for the older people to come do, have a happy hour, come get some good food, and not have to worry about some of the young folks who bring some of that drama,” Rhodes told KSDK.
Bliss Restaurant is so committed to the rule that to ensure no youngster sneaks in, their hostesses or a St. Louis County police officer will check IDs.
“Of course, we have been getting a little backlash because of our policy, but that’s okay. We’re sticking to our code,” Pate added.
In a Facebook post dated May 28, Bliss Restaurant elaborated on their rationale:
“Recently, we have had incidents where our age requirement has been violated and put on social media,” they wrote.
“To reiterate, Bliss Caribbean Restaurant requires all guests to be 30 or older for women and 35 or older for men. This policy is in place to ensure a mature, sophisticated, and safe dining environment for everyone.”
While some negative reviews surfaced on platforms like Yelp and Google, many satisfied customers praised the food and the tranquil atmosphere.
Bliss’s culinary team, led by chef Alex Dixon, boasts authentic Caribbean roots, with dishes inspired by Jamaican cuisine.
“We offer delicious oxtails, fresh snapper, jerk lamb chops, wonderful cabbage, and more. All of it is delicious and Jamaican-style,” Dixon shared with KSDK.
Owner Pate envisions Bliss restaurant as a mini-vacation spot for its patrons.
“I think Bliss is a home away from home. You can come here and actually feel like you’re at a resort. People will feel like they’re on a vacation,” he said.
Rhodes reinforced their steadfastness regarding the age policy. “I would tell those younger ones to come patronize the business once you turn 30 or 35 because we’re going to be here for a while,” she said.
The restaurant plans to offer to-go orders soon for those who are salty that they can’t enjoy some Bliss Caribbean cuisines because of the unconventional age restrictions.
This approach echoes a similar policy by Nettie’s House of Spaghetti in New Jersey, which banned children under 10 to maintain a peaceful dining environment.
The only thing throwing me off is that the age requirement is different for men and women. Either make it 30 for both or 35 for both. We have to stop reinforcing the myth that men mature slower.
— Ms. Sn@cks (@HenriettaSnacks) June 6, 2024
This is just a retirement home with a bar
— Yung G.O.A.T (@FukbeinSocial) June 6, 2024
like it but then again dont
clearly age discrimination and should not be allowed. someone needs to file a suit. when you start discriminating against a certain group its just a matter of time before its done to other groups. next its women that dont have dresses on, then its…— Richard Mann (@worldofmann) June 6, 2024
Nope! 30 & 35 is good!! More restaurants need to do this. Ppl sick of these youngins that don’t know how to act???????????????????????? No twerking over my wings & hopefully everyone doesn’t smell like weed!!
— Sparkletini???????? (@GlitterazziDiva) June 6, 2024
I DO NOT BLAME THEM AT ALL!
When I was young, Happy Hour was the thing for professionals. It was cool until around 10-12pm rolled around then it was time TO GO!! pic.twitter.com/OeMIk91oj8
— Independents For Integrity (@IndependentsFo7) June 6, 2024
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So, what do you think? Is this a recipe for success or a surefire way to alienate potential customers? Let us know in the comments below!
