Exclusive club opens on First Street

PHOTO BY CARL-JOHN X VERAJA Ryan Sherry and Lauren Adams at the new Venu downtown. Without a close examination, a casual passerby would not think that a new nightclub - Venu - had arrived behind the dark curtains at 2278 First St., in the historic Langford Building in downtown Fort Myers. Ryan Sherry likes it that way.

"Yogi Berra once made a famous quote," he said. "Nobody goes there anymore, it's too packed."

Venu has exclusive standards and a $10 cover.

"I want professionals," Sherry said. "There's also a strict dress code. I want to see collared shirts."

Venu is located where several shortlived clubs once operated - Ellington's and Euphora among them. Inspecting the premises, with its 5,400 square feet of oft-wasted space, this might seem a shame.

If location is everything, Venu is in good company. Located a stone's throw away from the newly opened Sydney and Berne Davis Arts Center, the French Connection, First Street Jeweler's and Delicious Things, the club should prove a worthwhile stop for night-lifers as well as people looking for a setting for a private party.

"I don't want to be the best or top other places, necessarily," Sherry said. "I want to be another stop people going downtown will consider."

Not new to newspaper coverage due to his background as an athlete, Sherry was concerned about getting too much publicity as a club operator and coming across as cocky.

"As a star athlete, you need that confidence," said Sherry, once a topranked, national tennis player. "In the boy's 16s I achieved the No. 1 in the country ranking for a few short months. I have had the opportunity to represent the United States in many countries in South America and also in Europe and Mexico."

Still in the prime of his life, Sherry exudes optimism and energy. Before opening night, I received a quick tour of the premises. There will be ample seating, a quantity of drinks backed by a full liquor license and a spacious dance floor.

"As for the music there will be complete variety," Sherry said. "Vegas, Dean - fun music for all ages."

Sherry said his opening nights were amazing and he hopes to bring more and more people downtown.

"Between Don Paight, Tony Allen and the rest of the redevelopment team everybody seems on the same page," he said. "I am excited - excited to be one of the stepping stones to adding more and more downtown businesses."