News Summary
The highly anticipated Opulence Drag Lounge & Taqueria in Birmingham has been delayed due to funding challenges. Owner Scott Charby aimed for a Pride Month opening but faced financial hurdles leading to staff layoffs and rescinded job offers. The local LGBTQ+ community, which has seen closures of other venues, is in need of a welcoming spot as hopes remain for this new establishment to bring vibrancy to the area.
Birmingham’s New Hot Spot on Hold: Opulence Drag Lounge & Taqueria Delayed
The streets of Birmingham buzzed with excitement as the new Opulence Drag Lounge & Taqueria was slated to open its doors at the former site of the Hush Lounge. Sadly, those plans have hit a snag, and the bar is now on hold due to significant funding challenges.
A Troubling Background
For those who might not remember, the Hush Lounge closed down last December after a heartbreaking shooting incident on the sidewalk in September 2024. This shocking event led to the tragic loss of four lives and left at least 17 others injured. Understandably, the community has been yearning for a fresh start at this location, and Opulence seemed like just the ticket.
Initial Hopes for Pride Month
Owner Scott Charby and his partner Wade Brooks were excitedly planning to launch Opulence in time for Pride Month this June. They moved to Birmingham from Las Vegas with a dream of opening a vibrant gay bar that would cater to the LGBTQ+ community. Charby had crafted a solid business plan with assistance from REV Birmingham and applied for a loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Unfortunately, the much-needed funding didn’t come through.
Financial Woes Take Their Toll
With the financial roadblocks mounting, Charby had to make some tough decisions. He laid off all six members of the management team and rescinded job offers to around 30 potential staff members. The setbacks have been disheartening, as Charby explained that unexpected delays and rising costs pushed timelines further out. He invested personal loans to continue renovations, but crucial improvements like a state-of-the-art video wall and sound system exceeded budget expectations, primarily due to rising tariffs.
The Community in Need
The situation is especially tough for the local LGBTQ+ community. With the closure of two other bars—The Quest Club and Our Place—the urgency for a welcoming spot like Opulence has escalated. Charby envisioned Opulence as a daytime taco bar transforming into a lively drag entertainment venue by night, with a full-service bar and restaurant experience.
Challenges in Management Hiring
In May, management hiring began, and by June, six managers were in place, ready to bring Opulence to life. However, with mounting financial issues, Charby had to inform the management team of their layoffs, expressing deep concern about the impact on those affected. Many of these employees had relocated to Birmingham or left other jobs for this opportunity, making the situation even more poignant.
Concerns Voice by Employees
Amid all the upheaval, some staff members felt blindsided. They believed they had been given misleading information about the opening timeline and felt rushed despite lacking proper licensing. This sentiment echoes the broader concern that Birmingham needs a place for inclusivity, healing, and celebration of LGBTQ+ identities.
Looking Ahead
Charby is actively seeking alternative financing options to settle unpaid wages for the laid-off managers, showing his commitment to the well-being of his staff even amid these financial challenges. He remains passionate about creating a safe and inclusive environment to wash away the “black mark” left by the former Hush Lounge.
The Vision for Opulence
Once operational, Opulence is expected to accommodate between 160 and 180 guests, offering events like charity dinners, drag bingo, and karaoke nights that unite the community. While the delays are a setback, Charby and Brooks are determined to make a lasting impact on Birmingham’s nightlife and create a positive atmosphere through their business.
Conclusion: A Call for Support
As Birmingham holds its breath, the hope remains that Opulence Drag Lounge & Taqueria will someday open. The community is eagerly awaiting a new chapter filled with fun, excitement, and a sense of belonging once again. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that obstacles turn into opportunities, and Opulence can soon take its rightful place in the heart of Birmingham.
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HERE Resources
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New LGBTQ+-Friendly Drag Lounge & Taqueria Opens in Birmingham
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham Bar Pauses Opening
- WBRC: New Business Moving into Old Hush Lounge Space
- Bham Now: New Coffee Shop & Cocktail Bar Coming
- Wikipedia: Drag Culture
- Google Search: Birmingham LGBTQ Nightlife
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
