The nightlife venue that formerly housed Eden and Universal re-opened last Friday under an undisclosed name. Billed as a soft opening that also seconded as a renaming party, the event saw a large crowd who donned every look from street clothes and mohawks to “dress to impress” little black dresses and bow ties. Many are wondering what will make this club different from Eden and Universal and what will the new owners do differently. Or, will it become the third in a row to fail at this location. San Diego LGBT Weekly caught up with Urbano Pelicon, one of the new owners, to get his take on all of this, and to find out what we can expect to see from this new club.
San Diego LGBT Weekly: Urbano, thank you for taking the time to talk with us. When will we know the name of the club?
Urbano Pelicon: After Labor Day weekend.
Who are the new owners?
Urbano Pelicon, Kevin Sanders, Jay Taylor, Rob Lane, David Schiffman and Vania Raitano.
What made you guys want to open a club in this location?
For the past several years we looked at the place and saw how underutilized it was. By reformatting the floor plan, space will be cohesive and inviting. Once plans are approved by the City of San Diego, the construction will begin later this year.
Were any of you nervous or doubtful about opening up a club in a location that has had such a high failure rate?
No. We have developed many locations that once failed, and are now successful.
What makes this venture different from Eden and Universal?
We will make it more open, less stuffy and tailored to the community. Also it will be owned and operated by members of the community.
Do any of the owners own other nightlife venues?
Yes. We own a few nightclubs in downtown San Diego.
In your opinion what do you believe Eden and Universal did that caused their doors to close?
The layout and the flow of the space. The marketing outreach was not well received. Both tried too hard to prove themselves as luxury brands which ultimately alienated people.
What is your plan to ensure this does not happen to your club?
First and foremost we want to be known as the friendliest venue in the community. The Range Restaurant will be the backbone of the business.
I know people are thinking it; are any of the new owners business partners of the prior owners?
No.
Will it cater to the LGBT community?
That is our core demographic.
Will there be a dress code and door cost?
No dress code. There will be a cover charge on the weekends and for special events.
Will you have a full menu and if so what is a must-try item?
Yes. The Range Burger and Ahi Salad.
What will the average drink cost be?
$8.
What kind of special events will you put on?
We are planning to host theme parties, charitable events and partner up with the community on a variety of events.
What about the ladies? Do you guys plan on catering to women and lesbians?
Yes. We will cater to the entire community.
Any well-known Hillcrest favorites slinging drinks and keeping us shaking our asses?
We are in the process of hiring, right now.
What makes you guys the new Hillcrest hot spot?
We will keep the atmosphere fun, the staff will be friendly and high-energy and we will be here 7 days a week.
Both the previous owners seemed to sink a lot of time and money into the interior and exterior of the club and not enough into the community; what are you guys going to do different?
We will be involved with the community in fundraising aspects, sponsorship and in-kind donations.
In three words why is this club where it is at?
In business location is everything: location, location, location.
What should the community know about this new Hillcrest hot spot?
Do not park in Ralphs parking lot. You will be towed.
Thank you again, Urbano, for taking the time to speak with us and we wish you and the new club the best of luck!
