As a pioneer in its field, Arrow Nashville, experienced controversy when it began operation last year. Now, the business is celebrating its first anniversary this month, with plans to expand their services in the near future.

Arrow, located at the corner of 5th Ave. and Peabody, is Tennessee's only male strip club. Such status presents a number of risks in this conservative market, but a recent addition to their staff bodes well for an even more successful second year. New manager Beau Langley has over twenty years experience in the industry, and one of his first goals is to implement new marketing strategies and outreach to the GLBT community and the community at large.

"Social media continues to grow and become an integral part of our lives," he said. "We have learned to treat our Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter pages as true extensions of Arrow. (Staff members) communicate daily with their guests through these outlets daily."

The budding business has crossed its first hurdle: hiring quality entertainers. Arrow has assembled a diverse cast of talent, and they consistently tweak their live entertainment schedule to suit their customer base.

"We've incorporated smaller stages in the main showroom so up to three entertainers can perform at the same time," Langley said. "The main stage is clearly the focal point, but our guests want to see as many men as possible at one time."

All performers must be licensed by Metro before taking the Arrow stage, Langley says, but the staff is currently considering further adult entertainers for future events.

As a unique entity in Tennessee, Arrow, which was named best strip club in Nashville in last fall's Nashville Scene readers' poll, is testing uncharted waters in terms of advertising and marketing plans. Langley says they've sought advice from several of the female clubs in town, including their nearest neighbors, Crazy Horse. 

"Other businesses will often research local markets and then use that data to help formulate their own, unique model," he said. "With no other similar clubs in the state, we've basically had to pave our own way. We are extremely grateful for the help and kindness shown to us by the other clubs in town."

In their first year, Arrow has helped celebrate birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and many other milestones. Their comprehensive list of package deals allows guests to make reservations and purchase VIP or event packages that can be individually customized.

Nightly dance and VIP Specials are often offered, with discounts and 2-for-1 specials announced randomly through the evening. Patrons can also rent a private VIP room with their choice of entertainer; a 15-minute session costs $150 and a 30-minute session costs $300.

Arrow has instituted daily specials as well. Admission is only $10 on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday nights. As part of the liquor law, Arrow, like the female clubs in Nashville, are strictly BYOB. Arrow does sell mixers, energy drinks and water on site.

No matter the patron's needs, the staff follows his philosophy: courtesy is key.

"Every guest is quickly greeted by our friendly staff when they enter," he said. "We strive to make everyone – regardless of gender or orientation - feel comfortable and welcome."

On Saturday, Sept. 4, Arrow will host their birthday party with popular entertainer Daisy Mae as guest emcee. Arrow is open 7 p.m.-3 a.m. on Wednesday-Sunday, and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.