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During the day, downtown Blacksburg is a family-friendly locale, but at night, it transforms into an environment for of-age college students — something one business is trying to change.
A group of Virginia Tech students have taken over management at O’s Lounge, located at 204 Draper Rd., changing it into an 18-and-over club.
Michael Chang, a junior computer science major, along with a group of dedicated friends is working to give the club a new image.
“It’s one of the best venues here in Blacksburg,” Chang said. “The owner hasn’t had enough time to manage it himself so we approached him about trying to create a new brand.”
Rebranding for change
In order to draw larger crowds, the club is hosting several events. Every Tuesday, O’s Lounge will feature jam bands for Ladies Night, Thursdays will feature electronic dance music and on “Turn it up” Fridays, the club will play a mix of hip-hop, top-40 and house music.
“We’re having awesome events, and people should come out,” Chang said. “It’s a guaranteed good time.”
The club’s headliner DJ DatBoi — a.k.a. Marcus Damon, a junior economics major — is another student dedicated to revamping O’s Lounge.
“We saw a void in pretty much all the downtown businesses for a place where everyone is able to party,” Damon said. “Most places cater to everyone that’s (over) 21. We just wanted to give an alternative.”
Younger Crowd
A renewed emphasis on incorporating Tech’s students of all ages is what sets O’s Lounge apart from other Blacksburg clubs.
“We want this place to be run and managed by people from Tech,” said Asad Yusupov, the club’s cook.
The new management, which went into effect Feb. 4, is working hard to enhance the club’s atmosphere.
Improvements include a new paint job and lighting set-up, but more important to club goers are the changes in music choices and drink prices.
Kayla Ferrari, a junior English major, is a fan of the changes.
“The old O’s played a lot of country,” Ferrari said. “But with (new management) taking over, it’s all house and dub step and EDM music, which is so much better. And their deals on drinks is unbelievable.”
Team Effort
Graydon Claflin, an O's Lounge bartender , said that his work at the club has incorporated his studies as well.
“Everything I learn in accounting, economics, marketing — I’ve incorporated it into what I do here,” said Claflin, a junior BIT major. “You can say ‘Yeah, I got an A on my test’ and then I went and made money because of that.”
While being a student and running an efficient business may seem like an impossible task, the new owners haven’t gone in empty handed — ideas for renovations have been in the works for a while.
“It was a blessing that we all got here at the same time with the same ideas,” Damon said.
The club’s cook and headlining DJ have both been working at O’s Lounge since before the new management got involved and are happy with the way things are changing.
“The idea to make this place better has existed for some time,” Yusupov said. “Michael’s team has just sparked that flame.”
Balancing Work and Play
Beyond the layer of new paint and improved dance music, the true change for O’s Lounge is the team that put the changes into place.
“We’re really working hard to get this place in shape,” Damon said. “We promise to make every week better than the last.”
Ferrari commended the new management’s work effort. She said their hard work is evidenced by the vastly different atmosphere.
“Everything that we’ve done, we’re enjoying it,” Chang said. “The best part about it is I know at the end of the night people are leaving and they had a good time.”
A version of this article appeared in the Feb 21 issue of the Collegiate Times.
Leave a comment 66 Comments Write a letter to the editor
All letters to the editor must include a name, e-mail, daytime phone number and affiliation to Virginia Tech. Affiliation includes: year and major for students; position and department for faculty and staff; current city for alumni and parents.
This club is understaffed and can not seem to serve the 21+ club attendees with alcoholic beverages. I shouldn't have to wait to get a drink.
Also, really? this is Blacksburg oh are we catering to the student crowd? Who will be gone certain parts of the year?
I know there is no major city (Roanoke) in Southwest Virginia New river valley and West Virginia Border it's the mountains
Also what happened to the previous management?
Are there club bouncers or security like in the city?
Will there a danger of being fired upon?
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if you don't like how it appeals to students, then you are obviously not a student, and they probably dont want your business anyways.
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Ah yes,without VT Blacksburg would be nothing argument
rears it's ugly head again.
Do you brats honestly think you are the center of the university?
Some of the townies simply don't want you woud get from say Northern Virginia (where most of you are from) Richmond Norfolk etc.
If you can't enjoy "the area" because there is nothing else to do but go to "apartment parties" then clearly you should go else where.
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It seems like you are the one not enjoying the area.
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It's funny how he/she said "the center of the university." Why yes, I do think students have big role within the university.
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Uh, yes, I do think the STUDENT BODY plays a central role in the university. You seem ungodly bitter. Maybe take a step back and realize you're the one spewing the hate. I'm one of these Richmond brats you speak of, and I love the area. I think it's applaudable that these students are trying to create an 18+ venue downtown. How does that automatically translate into me thinking that this town sucks because there aren't a lot of clubs or bars? I actually love the area and I like that I'm in a college town and not in an urban environment littered with bars. Keep an open mind about the students attending college here. You may be surprised to find that not all of them think alike.
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Too bad this place is super sketchy and a girl can't feel safe there. Maybe the whole reason why Awful's closed is because the DJs suck (like at Os) and no one wants a club. I'm sorry I don't want to hang out with freshman.
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Appreciate your criticism. Everything just started. We're working on spreading crowds throughout the week, and on Tuesdays we're 21+ to give a day to those who don't like to be crowded by unders. You don't need to apologize for not wanting to hang out with freshmen.In actuality, the majority of the crowds will pull are not freshmen.
We started this almost two weeks go and have been filling up the staff daily. I don't want to make anyone mad, the goal is to bring positive energy to Blacksburg. If you have any other
concerns send me an email and we will work things out.
miiichaelchang@gmail.com
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I always have a great time at O's. theres like atleast 7 bouncers at all times, how could you feel sketchy? and the djs are better than anywhere else this side of virginia lol
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There is a wait for drinks at every busy bar? You must go to lame bars that people don't go to. 200 people trying to get drinks and 4-5 bartenders like any bar in blacksburg aren't physically able to serve all at once. I appreciate what O's has done and its obvious there is much work needed.
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Might attract the wrong crowd
Remember folks around here aren't use to city slickers
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Did any of you debbie downers read the article or you just wanted to troll the article in typical Collegiate Times "reader" fashion? Hat goes off to all of you...Blacksburg nightlife has changed DRASTICALLY since Ive graduated in 2010 and I can't say there's much to do besides bar hop. This club needs to be ran correctly and yall are on the right track. Keep it up! Shoutout to the comment posted at 1:17AM too...
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I am pretty sure there is still the same Downtown Blacksburg "strip" of bars as there was 5+ years ago.
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TURNNNNNNNNN UPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!.
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Great work guys! O's has improved so much since you came into management. I'm 21 and have gone here a few times since its opened because it's a great time with good music that you can actually dance to, what other bars in Blacksburg can you do that at? None(besides Sycamore sometimes). For the girl who said "no one wants a club"...what college town are you from? If no one wanted a club, O's wouldn't be packed to maximum capacity with a line still waiting outside. I'd rather go to O's then get stuck standing in a crowded mob at Big Als. Keep up the good work guys!
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If you havent actually been yet and you are going off of its old reputation you really need to quit running your mouth. This new management staff is really receptive. I was there on their first night and had some criticisms, went in the next day when they had their meeting and gave them some CONSTRUCTIVE feedback. The next big night all of those woes were addressed. The crowd there isnt seedy anymore. They were brand new and had an under trained bar staff the first night, but as with anything it takes time to grow a business and get everyone up to speed. Dont knock it before you try it. As a dt bar vet i have worked as a bouncer for.over 3 years including Awful's which didnt get its bad rep until it was.going down hill. Also I have heard some really bad DJs and the guys who spin at O's are great, dont know where you got that from. And to address your question IFYOU DONT WANT A CLUB ATMOSPHERE WHAT WOULD YOU PREFER? If you hate it so much then dont go but dont tear down its rep for no reason and ruin everyone elses good time.
Youre probably just mad because no on would dance with you.
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If you havent actually been yet and you are going off of its old reputation you really need to quit running your mouth. This new management staff is really receptive. I was there on their first night and had some criticisms, went in the next day when they had their meeting and gave them some CONSTRUCTIVE feedback. The next big night all of those woes were addressed. The crowd there isnt seedy anymore. They were brand new and had an under trained bar staff the first night, but as with anything it takes time to grow a business and get everyone up to speed. Dont knock it before you try it. As a dt bar vet i have worked as a bouncer for.over 3 years including Awful's which didnt get its bad rep until it was.going down hill. Also I have heard some really terrible DJs and the guys who spin at O's are great, dont know where you got that from. And to address your question IFYOU DONT WANT A CLUB ATMOSPHERE WHAT WOULD YOU PREFER? If you hate it so much then dont go but dont trample on its rep for no reason and ruin everyone elses good time.
Youre probably just mad because no on would dance with you.
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Don't worry just like that businesses come and go
While VT is can prop up Blacksburg by being the highest employer
Blacksburg (Christianburg Mont County) earns most of it's revenue through other means
Remember the sales tax? The meals tax? Property taxes?
Downtown businesses will eventually realize that the
the Town of Blacksburg simply doesn't want unchecked growth (see Walmart)
Just like First & Main this club will become a boondoggle.
Simply Downtown will become a ghostown that no amount of development or revitalization will be able to restore.
The bubble will burst as the wheels are already turning.
Time will tell how along O's Lounge last.
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The development at first and main is not over. If you actually read about what is happening in "your" community, you would know that developers will be beginning construction for an IMAX theatre and bowling alley at first and main this summer. If O's is run right, they will be pioneers for the club scene at Virginia Tech, which is CLEARLY the new dynamic is most college towns. Good for Mike Chang and his team.
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Oh boy tings are going so swell not like businesses have closed shop anyone in Blacksburg
Books-a-Million Awful Arthur's Chu-Cho's Ben and Jerry's
Didn't Wells Fargo own First and Main?
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Awful Arthur's had horrible service and a shrinking menu.
Chu-Cho's was in an obscure location and served overpriced (and bad) food.
Ben & Jerry's was a horrible location inside of Kent Square.
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There are always going to be those who dont like a party because it doesnt cater to them. I really appreciate the comments thus far. Even the negative ones. I have been promoting for a long time and over the years, i too have had my issues with Os management but there are LOT of factors that party goers dont and never could know and understand unless they were part of the business dealings. Things that directly affect you and the party. My point being, reserve your judgement. Most people that show up have already been drinking and are that much more likely to react emotionally to circumstances than logically. We know that going in, so we dont hold it against you. The parties we have on Fridays is a little bit of something for everyone, if you cant find the positive in that, then you shouldnt be there.
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I have a question but it is not related to what has already been said. I am sure some of that was trolling
Anyway, will Electronic dance music be played?
Any dubstep?
Also, will be be opportunities for local talent and artists to play there if the club is a proper venue?
I am sure some DJ's; indie bands and musicians more than willing to entertain club goers.
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Yes Electronic Dance Music will be played.
Our DJs typically mix a moderate amount of house into their sets on Friday night.
We dedicate the entire night on Thursdays to strictly EDM,
this could be anything from House, to Trap, to Dub, to Moombah, to Breakbeat. It all depends on the DJs playing.
This information is updated daily on the O's Lounge Facebook Page.
Once I have enough crowds on these key nights, I plan to develop Mondays catered towards indie music, specifically bands.
All of the DJs for the other nights are mainly local, with headlining DJs sometimes coming in from Richmond, DC or elsewhere.
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Finally, some people realized the potential of O's Lounge, the only place suitable for nice parties downtown. Awful Arthur was good as a place, but sucked otherwise for various reasons.
Why pay cover to get into TOTS or Big Al's??? To listen to Pandora playing through an iPhone??? Most businesses do not seem to care, as the customers just get drunk and don't care about service. Hopefully, the guys running O's Lounge will do a good job.
Play more Top40 remixes! And leave the indie music for Underground, who cares... Just try to resemble what a decent city club looks like. Or try to be like B&B on a Saturday night. Bull and Bones is an awesome place, with great music on Saturday nights. But the crowd sucks big time. I wish more college students went to B&B...
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I saw a fist fight outside there last night. Women and people who are locals (ie- steady year round revenue stream) don't want to go to this place.
And good luck with ABC up your ass all the time. They do not like 18+ clubs/bars in the downtown area as I can personally attest.
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Women love our bar. These are our best customers. We cater to them every night. And the sketchy reputation is slowly going away. It takes time to make things right, but trust me, it will all fall in place.
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This is definitley a lie, I was at the bar the entire night last night from 10:00 pm to 2:30 AM. they were well over-staffed on security. probably 8 to 9 bouncers and there bar wasn't nearly full. There were no problems inside or outside. Looks like a 'local bar manager' is simply jealous.
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The last thing Blacksburg needs is another revamp of the perpetually sketchy 'O Lounge' also known as 'Ogi-Chis' 'The BAR' and numerous other awful names.
These bars just attract trash from the surrounding area (Christiansburg, Roanoke, etc) and promote underage drinking. 18 and up = your clientele will be like 60% highschool kids.
It's good to see that these students are embracing the EDM /dubstep wave even if it's like 4 years late.
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The goal is to eliminate the sketchy reputation from the past. We're working on it.
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More than likely we will start to require college ID.
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Is this just the same guy posting numerous comments? You're doing a terrible job of covering up your butthurt.
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Enjoy having this place shut down for ABC violations ~2 weeks after it opens.
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So. Sketchy.
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hahaha yea right
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Why would you subject yourself to a bar full of white trash 18 year olds
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you clearly have not been in the past 2 weeks.
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This is exactly the kind of thing that makes the bar creepy, haha.
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I was there last night (2/21) and at 23, I was def one of the oldest people in the entire bar. Rough.
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Over spring break there will be a substantial amount of renovation done to the interior, (lighting, painting etc.). This is all to make it feel more like a club.
I don't know the other people commenting for O's but I can assure you we are working on requiring college ID on several nights to keep the college atmosphere
Obviously, a substantial amount of customers will be locals, so we will have other nights cater to them as well.
To address the concerns of of-age bar-goers, I'm working on planning half of the week to being 21+, with Tuesdays and Saturdays being the highlighted nights. Tuesdays will consist of bands and slow-tempo top 40 DJs to provide a more relaxed environment, while Saturdays will retain the club-like feel.
Thanks for the input everyone.
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Congrats to these young gentlemen who are taking a risk...I'm interested to see what percentage of your crowd is under 21. HUGE LIABILITY ISSUE. Be careful with that. Also, I don't think its a good idea to advertise a place for the under 21's and then talk about drink specials. ABC will be all over you. Staff yourselves correctly and rule with an iron fist. Good luck.
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It's not like this is an exclusive club that only students can gain entrance to, being a student isn't a prerequisite for liking EDM. I've spoken to multiple people who wish that Blacksburg had a venue that catered to their musical tastes, and these guys are stepping up and providing something that wasn't here before.
It seems odd to me that you the dislike catering to the students, when you're the one commenting on a student run newspaper. Like it or not, Blacksburg IS a college town, and to expect the students who make up a significant portion of the community to stand by idly and not leave their mark is ridiculous.
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Well, have fun when ABC rolls through :)
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It's Sunday morning this story is days old.
Go to sleep trolls
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I would definitely attend O's lounge if it wasn't 18+. I've gotten all the Facebook invites every time and when it says that I know to stay away. I'm not partying with a bunch of high schoolers and freshman, make it strictly 21+ and you'll get a lot more people... AND a lot more QUALITY people. For now, count me out, no thanks!
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