Topeka's entertainment industry stable
7:59 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2008
"Everyone has been hurt to one degree or another," said Club Orleans owner John Samples about the economy.
But when the sun goes down in Topeka, strippers get dressed to take their clothes off on a stage because at strip clubs, the dollars are still flowing.
"We have seen a pick-up, I think," Samples said about business at the club. "Part of that is because they can come out for a show and, for all intents and purposes, probably spend an evening out as a couple for less than what they can down on Wanamaker."
Yes, he said couples. That is part of the reason business is doing so well.
"We have seen an upturn in our female consumers this year," Samples said.
At Skinny's Bar and Grill, the story is much of the same.
"Business is great," said Manager Mark Ellis. "Business is doing real good."
Education and health care are thought to be recession proof businesses, but Thursday, St. Francis Health Center announced it was laying off nearly 30 workers.
With the state facing a billion dollar budget crisis, the future doesn't look bright for schools either.
Ellis said he hears about people's worries while working the bar.
"You know some people are struggling," Ellis said, "but you know you've still gotta make a living."
Ellis said that as long as people have stress, he'll continue to be able to make a living.
"I think we'll still continue going strong," he said. "(Customers) have been at work all day, and they know they need a release. So they'll come out and they'll spend a little bit here and there, but I know they're not wasting all their money."
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