Creatures Café has a new name and a new groove. In January, the Christian, alcohol-free eatery and nightclub became the Asheville Radio Café.
“It's such a hassle to move a radio station that we were able to find some private investors and take over the café completely,” says Pete Blackshaw, the nonprofit’s new president. Blackshaw also heads 95.7 The Choice FM, the radio station that operates from the venue.
The eatery will benefit from extended hours, opening at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and a new menu focused on appetizers, sandwiches and salads.
The venue will continue to support musicians as part of its mission. “Proceeds go to primarily musicians,” Blackshaw says. “They don't necessarily have to be Christian, as long as it's positive, uplifting, no references encouraging drug use or anything like that.”
Because it's alcohol free, the café provides a space for people recovering from substance abuse problems to experience nightlife, Blackshaw explains. “This gives them a great place to hang out and be social and have some great music, without having that temptation stuck in their face,” he says.
The Asheville Radio Café is located at 81 Patton Ave. For more information, see ashevilleradiocafe.com.
