To go to Bliss Restaurant, a new restaurant in Florissant, Missouri, you must be at least 30 years old if you're a woman and at least 35 if you're a man. Bliss Restaurant, which Marvin Pate, 36, and his wife opened recently, is sticking to its controversial minimum age requirement in spite of complaints from some social media users. According to a post from the restaurant on Facebook, the age restrictions are meant to "ensure a grown and sexy atmosphere."
"This policy helps us maintain a sophisticated environment, uphold our standards, and support the sustainability of our unique ambiance," the Facebook post explained.
The rule is important for several reasons, the post explained. First, the restaurant hopes to maintain a certain kind of "atmosphere" — "a mature and relaxed environment for all guests."
The restaurant also noted that the policy helps ensure that "exceptional service" is provided. The restaurant serves West African and Caribbean cuisine, and the goal is to ensure that it "remains a premier destination for those seeking an upscale Caribbean dining experience."
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Some social media users supported the age restrictions.
"The age requirement is my favorite thing followed closely by the service, food and ambiance," one person commented on Facebook.
Those who appreciated the policy noted that it's a way for older people to enjoy a night out while avoiding people who "don't know how to be responsible" or who think "it's nice to come play WAP on the juke."
Others didn't see a huge problem with having age restrictions either — but they were bothered by how the rule is different for men and women. This makes going to the restaurant impossible for some couples, many pointed out.
"Welp there goes date night why such a big age difference between men and women?" one woman wrote. "I’m 30 and wouldn’t really see myself dating someone 5 years older than me."
"I love this!" another woman commented. "I’m cracking up because my husband can’t come with me. He’s 34, I’m 32. Do yall plan to host any married nights?"
Some social media users responded to the people who were concerned about dining with their partners, essentially telling them to have dinner elsewhere.
"We as older ppl appreciate [the policy]!" one person responded. "Ppl talking bout couples with an age gap, well there are other nice places yall can go to with no age requirement."
Another pointed out that "anybody upset just doesn’t understand what’s happening with these businesses being tore up by younger crowd."
Still, some men under the age of 35 were hoping to visit the restaurant as well.
"I’m not 35 but I am sophisticated and mature on most days lol," one man wrote on Facebook. "A brother just wanna try the food."
The owner of the upscale restaurant, Marvin Pate, described the restaurant as "a home away from home" when speaking to KSDK News.
He added that the restaurant has no plans to change its age restrictions. "Of course, we have been getting a little backlash because of our policy, but that's OK, we're sticking to our code," he told the outlet.
Assistant Manager Erica Rhodes added that "the restaurant is just something for the older people to come do, have a happy hour, come get some good food and not have to worry about some of the young folks who bring some of that drama," as per KSDK News.
Rhodes encouraged younger people to visit the restaurant once they turn 30 or 35.
