DUBUQUE, Iowa — Brandon Bradley wanted to give teens something he never had — a nightclub.
Still a teen himself, the 18-year-old Hazel Green, Wis., native opened Fusion Teen Nightclub in Dubuque "to provide a safe and secure atmosphere for kids to hang out," he said.
Teens, ages 14-19, can dance the night away in the nightclub, located at 123 Main St., on Fridays and Saturdays or sing their hearts out on Thursdays. Younger kids, ages 11-14, are welcome to dance on Sundays.
"I can connect with them," Bradley said.
He had thought about opening a teen nightclub for years, and, with the help of co-owner Troy Sutter, 34, of Hazel Green, Wis., the teen nightclub opened its doors four weeks ago.
"First of its kind to hit Dubuque in many years," Bradley said.
There are strict rules, including no alcohol, tobacco or drugs, and a strict dress code. Items such as baggy clothing, bandanas, jerseys and caps aren't allowed.
"We've not had any issues," Bradley said.
There also are security guards located at the nightclub's front and back doors.
"How much safer can you get," Sutter asked, adding that parents are welcome to check out the club before they drop off their teens.
Bradley said the average weekend attendance has been between 50 and 60 teens. The capacity is 90.
"It's been all right," he said, adding that he hopes business will pick up in the summer.
He also owns Mobile Moosic Productions, a disc-jockey business started six years ago.
The nightclub location's previous identities have caused some confusion. Before it was Fusion Teen Nightclub, it was Fusion Bar, Hammertime Bar and Grape Harbor.
Because of the quick turnaround, the teen nightclub kept the logo and name of the location's former bar.
"Unfortunately, we had people who thought it was still a bar," Bradley said.
He hopes when teens hear the word "fusion," they will think about the teen nightclub on Main Street.
Information from: Telegraph Herald, http://www.thonline.com