A Texas County man known for successfully tackling big projects is at it again.
It’s Success resident Mike Brannan, and this time he’s creating “Rascalz Teen Club and Community Center” in downtown Houston.
Brannan also owns and operates Ozark ReSale Company, a store occupying a large building at U.S. 63 and Highway B that sells significant amounts of home improvement products at discount prices. This time, a two-story, 6,000 square foot space on Grand Avenue that over the years has been home to several businesses (most recently a couple of big flea markets) is being converted by Brannan into a club for youth ages 12-to-18 featuring a large dance floor, pool tables, foosball, Xbox stations, karaoke, “Rock Band” game competitions, a concession stand and several other attractions and activities.
“My wife and I have six kids of our own,” Brannan said, “and we’ve sat around a couple of times being guilty of saying, ‘boy, I wish someone would open something up for the kids to do.’ One time we just decided we’re capable of doing this.”
The Brannans have lots of experience with kids. They have been foster parents to many, and proceeds from Ozark ReSale are going toward the creation of a camp to provide assistance and a direction to young people who have “aged out” of the foster program.
“We’ve worked with kids our whole lives,” Brannan said. “The opportunity opened up and things started falling into place and I knew this was the right time for this. And as soon as I walked in the front door of the building, I knew it was perfect.”
Brannan hopes to have Rascalz open in June. The facility will feature an electronic door through which youth visitors will be “buzzed” in and out and a comfortable commons area (complete with a large viewing window) where adults can sit and wait.
Part of the downstairs portion of Rascalz will feature pool tables, foosball and other games in space formerly occupied by numerous flea market vendors booths.
The club will be open 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with a $5 entry fee (that will cover everything but concessions, pool and Xbox). A one-time $10 “membership fee” will be required to cover photo ID with emergency contact information. Brannan said he expects to have an off-duty police officer acting as doorman and will need volunteer help to make the idea fly.
“For this to work as a community center we’re going to have to have community buy-in,” he said. “I don’t see this as a profit center, I’d just like it to break even. For that to happen, we’re going to have to rely on two or three volunteers per night to help out.”
Brannan’s wife, Kim, and son-in-law, Matt Kepner, have been helping with construction during the building renovation process and are on board with operation of the club.
“My family is committed, but we’re going to need a few more bodies,” Brannan said. “I’d like that to be a few adults and some older youth, too.”
The finished product won’t be drab, according to Brannan.
“The dance floor will have elaborate lighting,” he said, “and we’ll have walls where the kids can do some art – within reason, of course.”
MIKE BRANNAN
Brannan has thought through several possibilities for Rascalz’ future.
“We’ll start it as a teen club,” he said, “and then as it grows I’d like to have Tuesday and Thursday nights be for adults, and then later in the summer we could open it up during the day for tumbling, tae-kwon-do and whatever else there might be a need for. I’ve talked to a lot of parents who are driving the kids to Rolla or West Plains for dance class or things like that, and I don’t see why we can’t get people in here who can teach those things so people won’t have to drive so far.”
Brannan said the space could also be made available for large group gatherings and parties.
“I want it to be something the community can use,” he said.
The building is owned by Alaska resident David Ogden, who agreed to help by offering Brannan a lease-purchase arrangement.
“At first he indicated he only wanted to sell,” Brannan said. “But when he heard what we were doing, he was very gracious to help out.”
Brannan is hopeful that local residents experienced in electrical work, plumbing and other trades will share their knowledge during Rascalz’ construction phase. And he said he wants to emphasize that kids’ safety is a top priority in preparations for the club.
“I want parents to know that when their kids are here they’re safe,” he said, “and I want the kids to know that when they’re here they can have fun and be safe.”
Kim said the Rascalz idea isn’t exactly spur of the moment.
“It’s not a first time kind of thought,” she said. “It’s been years in the making.”
“I feel really good about the timing,” Brannan said. “And I’m just stubborn enough to make this work.”
Much of the balcony area at Rascalz will be equipped with tables overlooking the dance floor.
Anyone wishing to help in construction, assist with interior decorating, provide advice with audio-video issues or volunteer to work at Rascalz Teen Club and Community Center can call Mike Brannan at Ozark ReSale Company at 417-217-4287. Information about Rascalz can be found online at Facebook.com/grandst/. Corporate sponsorships are available.