LED cube light fixtures on the ceiling illuminate the newly renovated modern interior. Photo by Brian Crumb
Beloved in Atlanta, but known worldwide, The Cheetah's fame has spread like wildfire since its inception in 1977. Embark on a journey with us to explore the evolution of the storied gentlemen's lounge turned star-studded cabaret.
After 40-plus years, The Cheetah (@thecheetah.atl) still reigns supreme. After recognizing the lack of upscale, hasslefree adult entertainment clubs, Bill Hagood boldly resolved to establish Cheetah Lounge. Originally debuting in Kenosha, Wis., Hagood extended his reach to Atlanta, launching The Cheetah on Peachtree and Eighth in 1977. Now settled right off of Spring Street, the lounge is an Atlanta staple equipped with eternal entertainment. Under the leadership and vision of Hagood and longtime business partner Jack Braglia, The Cheetah was guided to becoming the most renowned gentlemen’s club in the Southeast, attracting eager patrons from various walks of life.
The Cheetah marketing director Al Anderson and recording artist Kevin Gates. Photo courtesy of The Cheetah
Acquiring ownership of the property in 2020, Braglia has further increased the popularity of The Cheetah with his ultramodern perspective and business acumen. Braglia’s proactive approach gave rise to fresh innovation and enhanced amenities in the sophisticated venue. “The leather seating, VIP sections, the tables, the aesthetic in the place is second to none. It’s so beautiful, between [Hagood and Braglia], they truly set the standard, so even though it’s changed, people still see it as that classy and clean place to go,” expresses marketing director Al Anderson. Versatile in its offerings, encounter the unexpected and endless accommodations inside this 25,000-square-foot arena of entertainment. Enjoy the main room that showcases performances from the talented CheetahGirls, or slightly overlook the main room in the dining and VIP areas. For a more intimate setting, visit the elegant executive room with its own dedicated staff that could easily accommodate a banquet of 100. The buzzy club is equipped with three full-service bars and 14 private areas.
The latest addition to what used to be exclusively an adult entertainment establishment was the introduction of a nightclub aspect to its atmosphere, welcoming an even broader range of affluent guests. This supplementary layer of dimension brands itself as more than a gentlemen’s club and opens its doors to partygoers who may want to experience The Cheetah just for the vibes and a night out in the city. “Over the years, upscale adult entertainment clubs lost the uniqueness they once had. We felt the nightclub concept would add to the entertainment experience,” shares Braglia. The Cheetah has long set the standard for adult entertainment but recently raised the bar even higher, which included completing a multimilliondollar renovation that equipped the lounge with a premium audio system, illumination arrangement and premium furnishings. “When entering the club, your senses will be overwhelmed with the new light and sound system. The DJ set is top of the line. The glamorous new look has new stages, more comfortable seating and sections, and an expanded dining room,” Braglia says.
Photo by Chucky Kahng/Chuckyfoto
“Jack was always ahead of his time. There’s a lot of things he’s done with the club and for the club that have put it ahead, and this is another example of his vision. … He really wanted to bring another dimension to the nightclub scene in Atlanta and wanted to pull all things together into one, so the inspiration with the lights and everything that came with the renovations came from wanting to turn it into a nightclub vibe,” shares Anderson. Not only is The Cheetah known for its ritzy ambiance and alluring entertainers, but its culinary offerings as well. Comparable to the club’s popularity is its in-house restaurant, Alluvia. Opened in 2001, Alluvia has amassed and maintained the attention and respect of foodies and gourmands in the city and abroad. Equipped with a full satiating menu and late-night hours, the restaurant was classified as a distinguished eatery in Atlanta without delay, and name-dropped recently by music sensation Jack Harlow when asked what’s his favorite place to eat in the A. You will probably run into your favorite entertainer at Alluvia; a few of the staff’s favorite artists to spot at The Cheetah are Future, T.I., Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and Polow da Don, to name a few. The lounge’s consistency, well-rounded offerings and debonair setup have made it the place to go in Atlanta. The club is home to heavy foot traffic, but is adequately protected by security ensuring a safe environment for its guests.
The nightlife landmark maintains the top spot by merging the foundational aspects of the club with continuous evolution that still caters to its loyal fan base while enticing curious onlookers. Its blossoming reflects the rise of the city by serving all cultures and demographics of Atlantans. The Cheetah is rendering club-hopping inconvenient by essentially delivering an all-inclusive night out, where socialites can enjoy a nightclub vibe, adult entertainment and fine dining simultaneously.
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