‘Cold drinks and good times’: Entertainment manager for Big Al’s talks opening night

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Big Al’s Speakeasy in Downtown Peoria is back after being closed for nearly two years.

The club, located near the CityLink Downtown Transit Center, opens its doors to customers for the first time since August 2024 on Thursday night.

It’s the turning of a new leaf for a club that has come under new management. It was shuttered under different management two years ago by City Hall after they got tired of the constant calls to police for the location.

Ty Seibert, the owner and operator of several Peoria nightclubs and the person who took over Big Al’s, wants to use the building also as a concert venue that would fill the need for a space that could hold around 1,000.

Jessica Miller, the entertainment manager for the club, also operates Dixie Rose Country Rock Cabaret in Peoria. She said she wants to bring the same standards to Big Al’s.

“Everybody’s safety at Dixie Rose has always been my top priority,” she said. “And I know Saddle up and The Zoo with Ty as an owner there is his top priority too. So I think both of our heads together, safety is top [priority]. But that goes back to who you have working.”

Big Al’s Speakeasy to reopen with new look and concert venue

The revamp includes new security measures to ensure guest and staff safety.

There are requirements for security workers who must wear uniforms identifying themselves as such and also must patrol the parking lot several times an hour. There’s also a security system at the lobby.

People lined up to work at the club, Miller said. She wants people to see all of the new renovations, and enjoy a night out.

“It’s a really good area for somebody that’s just dipping in their toes,” she said. “I think a lot of people have their mind made up about this industry before they ever experience it, and I think everybody should come once because most people have a great time.”

The business will be open Thursday through Saturday from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

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