Dinner and a show: The Starlite bringing drag back to Montgomery

With the recent loss of Montgomery’s only gay club, a new plan is in the works to “drag” Montgomery into the future. 

That future, according to Victoria A. Jewelle, is The Starlite.

“It’s something new. Something fresh. Not downtown,” said Jewelle, a Prattville resident and drag queen. “It’s something for the gay community here in Montgomery. A new breath of fresh air.”

The Starlite will be located at the site formerly known as Wow Wings Sports Cafe, 2701 Eastern Boulevard, a building many remember was originally Montgomery’s Hooters restaurant. A for sale sign in front lists the building as being available through Number One Properties by Aliden Kim. 

Kim confirmed to the Montgomery Advertiser that a new business is coming into the spot, and said it will be a soul food restaurant. 

Along with the restaurant, The Starlite will offer drag shows and other entertainment, Jewelle said. 

“We want people to be able to eat and watch a show,” she said. “The new owner is from up north. They do dinner and a show. That’s what kind of atmosphere they’re trying to bring into Montgomery.”

Jewelle said drag shows at The Starlite would take place on Mondays and Fridays. “During the week, we’re going to do different things for the community, where they can come in and host different events,” she said.

Though drag shows have often been a late-night experience in Montgomery, Jewelle said they plan on offering early evening performances. “A lot of people don’t like to be out late and they want to see a show, you know?” she said.

Jewelle said the new owner wishes to remain silent. Jewelle will be serving at The Starlite as both manager and show director. “I’ll be the face and the person that everybody talks to,” she said. 

Efforts to promote The Starlite have been backed by Montgomery Pride United, which is preparing for Montgomery’s Pride March & Rally on June 29.  

“We are thrilled to have the Starlite opening soon,” said Meta Ellis of Montgomery Pride United. “It is so important to have businesses that are welcoming and supportive to the LGBTQ community. Most businesses don't realize just how much financial power we hold. We will support the new Starlite business in any way we can. We work closely with Victoria Jewelle and commend them in choosing her to manage their new business. Wishing them much success!”

A grand opening for The Starlite is set for June 28, a day ahead of Pride. With the help of the community, Jewelle said they can make it happen. 

Jewelle said The Starlite is something for the gay community of Montgomery and surrounding counties. “So we have somewhere that we can feel safe and feel like we are home,” she said. “Everybody else has their space, but we need ours.”

Montgomery’s former gay club, Club 322, held it’s farewell party on May 4. Jewelle was a show director there for the past four years. “I’m just going to be real with you. It was time for a change,” she said. “Now we have the change, and I just want everybody to walk forward and see the future.”

Funding The Starlite

Part of the path to get the new club open soon is taking place downtown on Fridays this month at A Touch Of Soul Cafe, 115 Montgomery Street — events called LGBTQ Friday with drag shows at 9 and 11 p.m. It’s a $10 cover, with money from the door going to opening costs for The Starlite. Guests must be at least 18 to enter, 21 to drink. 

Their first LGBTQ Friday show was held May 31. 

“We’re going to do it all the way up until Pride,” Jewelle said.