When Atlanta local Paul Black realized that there was a shortage of gathering spaces for members of the LGBTQ+ community, he decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship. Black is currently in the permitting process to open private men’s club Quench Tubs & Sauna at 381 Venable St. NW. He told What Now Atlanta that he is hoping to open the 4,500-square-foot facility by October.
“[The inspiration for Quench] came from a place of wanting somewhere new where there can be more of a community gathering place that’s not a bar,” Black said.
Quench will aim to provide a no-device space for relaxation and release, drawing inspiration from global sauna culture in countries such as Turkey, Korea and Finland.
“I wanted to bring that energy and a new modern take on the American sauna,” Black said.
Members will have access to facilities including a steam room, a dry sauna, showers, hot tubs, cold plunges, lounges, private changing facilities and private relaxation cabinets. There will also be a small canteen with food and beverage offerings on site. Down the line, Black would like to expand the facility by either expanding the building footprint or moving to a larger site.
Quench will have an industrial, modern design, featuring architecture consisting of shipping containers. The design will draw upon the railroad and steel-manufacturing history of Atlanta. Even the name Quench is a nod to the metalworking process, referencing the quench tub used to cool hot steel.
While men’s private clubs such as FLEX exist, Black sees a great need in the market for a club owned and operated by someone within the LGBTQ+ community. Creating a third space for members of the LGBTQ+ community that is actually operated by a member of the community is a major driving force behind Quench.
“One of the big motivating factors is to have a place to socialize and meet people in the gay community,” Black said. “There are all these apps, but I just want a place where people can meet people out in the real world. That’s my main priority and goal: to create a space where people can meet and socialize.”
Quench will offer different tiers of membership and founding memberships are available prior to opening.
