A new nightclub is taking over the former Bar One site, 1000 W. Lincoln Highway.

Officially titled The U at DeKalb, it is the first in a potential chain of future “U” bars. Owners Anthony Tomkiewicz and Rick Amato hope to develop in other university towns.

“It’s primarily a nightclub, but we’re going to lean toward a sports bar, as well,” Tomkiewicz said. “We’re going to try and separate our space in the bar.”

“I like the idea of both,” said Angela Bianchi, a senior nutrition dietetics major.
Tomkiewicz previously owned a bar in Bloomington called Rhino’s.

“During the day, you walked in and you knew it was a sports bar,” Tomkiewicz said. “At night, it morphed into a martini bar and dance club. We’ll be running The U with that in mind.”

Ernest Asare, a senior industrial technology major, is also looking forward to The U’s arrival.

“It’s about time,” Asare said. “We need something like this.”

Asare said the former Bar One lacked imagination and creativity.
“They didn’t do anything to excite people to come,” he said. “They played the same old music from 1996. It’s 2007.”

The U will open for business as soon as possible, Tomkiewicz said.
“Our goal is to try and catch some of the last part of this semester, if we can,” Tomkiewicz said. “Most likely, we may delay an actual grand opening until next semester.”

The U will operate Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

“The goal is to eventually get into full food service where we’re open six or seven days a week, 11 a.m. till close,” Tomkiewcz said.

Negotiations to obtain the space next to the bar are currently underway.
“Instantly, that’s going to help us with the kitchen, should we put it in,” Tomkiewicz said. “It could also be used to set up a different themed area and to open more of your ‘shot and beer’ pubby-type atmosphere.”

Cover will be charged every night after a certain time and a strict dress code that Tomkiewicz labeled as “business casual and cocktail attire” will be enforced.

“Girls are going to be able to throw on some nice clubbing clothes and not have to worry about getting knocked over by a pitcher-guzzling guy that just came from his baseball game,” Tomkiewicz said. “As we progress during the weeknights, we’ll relax on the dress code.”

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