Teens ready to gauge market for Lake Zurich dance club

Two teenagers are about to learn if a market really exists for a dance club in Lake Zurich geared toward the younger set.

Lake Zurich resident Carly Rubin and Jeff Epstein of Buffalo Grove are collaborating on a sneak peek for Infinity. The trial run for the nonalcoholic club — open for patrons 16 to 20 years old — will be from 9 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday at the American Legion hall, 51 Lions Drive.

Five or six disc jockeys are expected to spin tracks throughout the evening, accompanied by a state-of-the-art sound system and lighting at the hall.

“What I’m actually worried about is too many kids will show up,” Rubin said.

Rubin, 16, and Epstein, 18, came up with the business idea as part of the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce branch of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. Epstein and Rubin will gather feedback from Friday’s pilot project and report to a Young Entrepreneurs investor panel March 21, with the hope they’ll successfully navigate the village’s approval process and open Infinity at a permanent location in Lake Zurich in June.

In a presentation during public comment time at a recent village board meeting, Rubin said the primary entertainment options for teens are some malls and a movie theater on Rand Road. She said there is a need for something else, so she and Epstein took their passions for music and safe, sociable entertainment to create the concept for Infinity.

Rubin said this week the club would allow teens and young adults to have late-night fun without attending parties with alcohol and drugs. She said she’s heard many positive comments about the idea from teens and parents.

Lake Zurich officials granted a special-use permit for Infinity to use the American Legion building Friday. Mayor Suzanne Branding said the teens are being innovative and congratulated Rubin for making a brief presentation to the village board.

Other elected officials, including Trustee Rich Sustich, also offered support.

“I would like to be there that first night to really observe it,” he said.

Rubin said there will be a $15 cover charge, along with food and drinks at an additional cost. While the hall holds 250 to 275 visitors, Rubin said organizers will use “good judgment” and make sure the crowd isn’t too large to ensure comfort and safety.

Adult security will be present and identification with a date of birth required for entry. Patrons not old enough to receive a wristband will be asked to leave at curfew.

Young Entrepreneurs Academy was launched in 2004 at the University of Rochester in New York, backed by money from the Ewing and Marion Kauffman Foundation. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce became a national partner and sponsor in 2011.

Academy classes meet at Lake Zurich High School from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays during the academic year. Students are guided through the process of starting and operating a legitimate business or social movement during the school year.