NightLife comes to an end at VFW
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Owners of The NightLife have parted ways with the VFW, citing financial reasons for the separation.
Star City NightLife, LLC — d/b/a Star City NightLife or The NightLife — was co-owned by father and daughter Mark and Kylie Oliveira and opened at the VFW in June 2014. Kylie Oliveira had been part owner of Bou’s Brew Pub on Main Street. When Bou’s closed in early 2014, the Oliveiras worked with officials of the VFW to open a new venue at the 6 State Rd. facility, renting the bar and dance area under The NightLife name.
Kylie posted a video on her Facebook soon after the closure, thanking patrons for their support and explaining that the money was just not there to keep the business open.
“We have lost the NightLife and it’s important you hear what I have to say,” wrote Kylie, asking viewers to spread the word. “These times are hard but we all need to keep on keeping on.”
Randy Michaud, post commander for Hayward-Frazier VFW Post 2599, said his organization tried to work with the Oliveiras but were unable to extend the lease.
“The management of The NightLife sent us a letter stating three options for the VFW members to consider, since they (Oliveiras) were having a hard time financially. Basically what we could gather from the letters is that Mark Oliveira, who was mostly the contact person for The NightLife, was looking for another alternative and was basically calling it quits,” said Michaud.
Michaud said the members of the facility met and went over the options.
“It was decided that the VFW should take and cancel the contract which was one of the options that was given to them to decide on. The management of The NightLife did not feel that they would be able to catch up on back rent and other obligations,” Michaud said.
He said efforts were made to keep the business open.
“This did not happen overnight. They (the Oliveiras) really did work hard to make everything work. No one should make more out of this. It was strictly a financial decision on their part and on the part of the VFW and its membership,” said Michaud.
The NightLife officially closed mid-January.
While The NightLife may be no more, evening entertainment continues at the VFW, with officials of the organization busy scheduling events and lining up entertainment. For more information, visit the VFW’s Facebook page.
