North Texas Daily

Chad Robertson | Staff Writer

@chadr0b

After 12 years as a Denton nightlife staple, Hailey’s Club will host its last party and close its doors on Dec. 31.

Club owner Jennifer Gibbs said the conversation to close Hailey’s has been going on for most of this year. It is set to reopen as two new bars in 2016. Hailey’s has served the Denton music scene since opening in 2003 and has recently been popular for the 90s and 80s nights it hosts.

“There are a lot of bars in Denton, but nothing like what we have planned,” Gibbs said.

Gibbs said she has been playing coy with answering the “What’s after Hailey’s?” question, but now she’s ready to spill at least a few of the beans.

“We found ourselves in frequent discussions about what was missing from Denton’s nightlife,” Gibbs said. “We know Hailey’s would be missed, but we are excited about these two new experiences we wanted to bring to Denton.”

One new experience? Denton’s first arcade and sports bar.

“Imagine a place where you can have a drink with your friends while playing an array of classic and modern arcade games,” Gibbs said.

The bar will also feature a full menu of food, and in contrast to Hailey’s, it will be smoke-free.

Although the concept for the second bar is still being kept under wraps, Gibbs confirmed it will not be a live music venue.

Silver Loves Mecury plays at Hailey’s Club. Hailey’s Club is closing at the end of the year and inviting any performers who have played the Denton Square venue to come back before the doors close at the end of 2015. Ryan Ellibee | Contributing Photographer

“Even though the new venues won’t be live music spaces, it does not mean that we will be neglecting the local music scene.” Gibbs said.

Gibbs hopes to have the venues host smaller bands by providing areas where live music is not the primary draw.

“We will be able to do more to foster the growth of the next generation of Denton greats,” Gibbs said.

And Hailey’s frequent patrons have faith.

“90s nights are always fun, but when I’ve come to Hailey’s on other nights I haven’t really been impressed,” psychology sophomore Emily Bready said. “I’m sure what the owners have planned is going to be something fresh.”

Hailey’s has recently become a hot spot for up-and-coming hip-hop artists to perform, and Gibbs said she is proud of the contribution Hailey’s has made to the burgeoning hip-hop and dance scenes emerging in Denton.

Because of construction uncertainties, Gibbs said she could not give exact dates for when the two new bars will open, but is optimistic about having them open before the winter season is over.

“Denton has a long history of embracing local music,” Gibbs said. “We’re very proud of the role we played in maintaining that tradition, and now Hailey’s can join other legendary Denton music venues in the memories of the scene and of the fans.”

Featured Image: Lizzy Shelton and Blake McDaniel talk behind the bar while Silver Loves Mercury plays behind them. Ryan Ellibee | Contributing Photographer