Crowds flock to Golden Banana upon reopening

PEABODY – There may be plenty of ice and snow outside in the parking lot, but inside the Golden Banana, things are heating up.Temperatures rose Monday as eager customers filled the 10,000-foot gentlemen’s club for its soft re-opening. Just as expected, part-owner Peter Depesa said that people were lined up before doors opened at 3 p.m.”We had a lot of couples,” Depesa said. “Husbands and wives, girlfriends and boyfriends.”Overall, the night went smoothly. The state-of-the art lighting and sound systems worked according to plan and some of the 100-plus dancers made their debut on the establishment’s three stages.”We were busy right up until closing,” said Depesa, adding that he received many compliments on how high-class the new club is, as well as its cleanliness.Depesa said in an earlier interview that the new and improved Golden Banana is an example of the “new breed” of gentlemen’s clubs.The original Route 1 showplace opened in 1981. In 2003, after 22 years of business, showgirls had their last dance. The club was found in violation of several safety codes and ordered by the city to close. Since then, owners faced many obstacles in their effort to bring the building up to code, as well as keep it in compliance with the city’s adult zoning laws.The City Council awarded the establishment its entertainment license to provide live nude dancing, music, and television last week after all repairs were made and codes were met.The Golden Banana is open for customers 21 years of age and over Sunday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. They will not be open for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day. There is a $5 cover charge.