Wichita, Kan., Sees Private Dining Resurgence

After opening in January, Lakeside Club already has 1,000 members and joins the tradition of 19 specially licensed clubs in the city.

Private dining clubs in Wichita, Kan., are making a comeback, KWCH-TV in Wichita reports. Lakeside Club opened in January and already has 1,000 members, though many people may not have heard of it.

“It’s a private dining establishment, with amenities of a club atmosphere without the golf or tennis,” said Lakeside Club General Manager Bryce Kuhn.

The club charges $10 to join and $20 per month to be a member. The 10-day application process is a requirement for private clubs under state law.

Another nearby club, The Candle Club, has been in business for 53 years and charges $50 to join with a payment of $25 a month for members. Its membership totals 1,300.

“The advantages are we can be selective, we can be exclusive, we keep our members and customers’ business to themselves,” said Candle Club General Manager John Fitzthum.

While the Candle Club can’t advertise and liquor laws are tougher for private clubs, the community seems amenable to their offerings.

“A guy told me the other day, I have pay $5, $10, $15 to go into a bar in Old Town,” Fitzthum said. “Here I pay $25 a month and you’ve got great music, great food, great service.”

Wichita has 19 private-dining club establishments, which require a special license from both the city and the state.

Tags: Bryce Kuhn John Fitzthum Lakeside Club The Candle Club Wichita Kan.