Students evaluate Kirksville night life

Experienced Kirksville bar patrons eventually develop individual preferences for when to go out and what specials to take advantage of during the week, but some are taking action to improve local night life

Senior Luke Booth has been researching new means of bringing entertainment to the downtown scene. He said he has been conducting research with a small group of people regarding nightlife in Kirksville for an upcoming business they've been working on.

"It was just to get a feel for what people want, besides what they already have when it comes to nightlife and entertainment in general," Booth said.

He said he became involved when another student contacted him with the idea. He said the research involved going to bars and establishments so owners and customers could be included in the research. Because the business is up and coming, Booth said he couldn't provide specific data, but he was willing to share some general findings.

"[People] wanted to see a sober rides program," Booth said. "They wanted to also see more enjoyable atmosphere when it came to employees."

Booth said another aspect identified as important by those surveyed was variety, he said. More variety would mean different specials during the week and more events, such as concerts, Booth said. He said he thinks nightlife in Kirksville could use a change.

"I think people are happy with how it is now, but they would definitely like to see something new coming in," Booth said. "People like to try new things, and that's sometimes difficult in a small town like Kirksville."

Recent additions to the Kirksville scene include Pickler's Famous and the Jinn Lounge, Kirksville's first hookah bar. Freshman Dan Nixon, Jinn Lounge co-owner, said their business idea came from discussions last fall.

"Around here there's pretty much the DuKum [Inn Bar and Grill], TP's [Office], and I guess you have Wrongdaddy's or maybe Leisure World," Nixon said. "With this many colleges in one little town people are looking for stuff to do."

Nixon said his business partner, freshman Andrew Wu, noticed there wasn't much to do in Kirksville, especially in the evening. Nixon said all Kirksville really has to offer are bars, which leaves out those underage. They looked into what could make a difference and came to the conclusion that a hookah bar was the way to go, Nixon said.

"The response to a hookah bar was so overwhelming at the college I guess that we just went ahead and ran with it," Nixon said.

 Senior Lara Leonard has been a bartender at TP's Office for a year and a half. She said that although there might be fewer options, she enjoys nightlife in Kirksville more than in St. Louis.

"I feel like I know more people, and anywhere I go I feel like I can find somebody I can talk to," Leonard said. "I also don't meet a lot of new people anymore because it's my fourth year here, but I like it a lot."

Leonard said that although she thinks there are nightlife options in Kirksville, most people usually stick to frequenting only one or two establishments.