The iconic Beverly Lounge is coming back … sort of. The bar was leased by musician, event organizer, entrepreneur and Kingstonian Francesca Hoffman. She’s planning a total makeover, including new décor, an updated and revitalized drink list, and plentiful parties and shows geared towards all those who live in Kingston. She says she will work to bring a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ people. The name of what promises to be a Kingston hotspot? Unicorn Bar.

Although Hoffman is new to owning a bar, she is anything but inexperienced. Her lengthy resume includes titles such as co-founder of the Hudson Valley Brassroots Festival and organizer of the O+ festival parade for the past six years, as well as hosting a multitude of events back in her New York City days. Her role at the Unicorn Bar, she said, will be as “general overseer of operations, programmer and producer of the shows.”

In an interview with Kingston Wire, Hoffman made it clear that she isn’t afraid of getting dirty to get the job done, and isn’t above breaking down boxes, swinging drinks, or cleaning. She wants her and her staff to be equal participants all working towards one common goal: running a “classy, fun and sexy bar.”

As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Hoffman said she finds it vitally important to create a space for people who identify as such. “Queer programming will be a priority of the space, as a large portion of this community doesn’t have this kind of space,” Hoffman said. “I also want to work with queer organizers in the area to execute this and make this a place for people to have fun, be free and not worry about anything. Kingston as a whole is a very inclusive and progressive community in respect to the LGBTQIA+ community. People are surprised a space like this doesn’t already exist.”

Beyond this, Hoffman wants to organize weekly events for queer people, such as a Friday night dance party for the queer community and in a different style but a similar vein, happy hour for people 50 and over and karaoke nights. The space will also house regular shows, such as Balkan dancing, jazz music, swing and many others.

Hoffman’s vision for the space is a reflection of her identity and interests. She’s working with two different designers: Deb Parker, who worked on the iconic Avalon Lounge (specifically its bathroom) and Brooke Lane, the primary designer for the space who’s just opened up their own shop in Midtown. “The decor and artwork, once we source all of it, will create an experience and ambiance that people will want to hang out in,” Hoffman said.

Since she is leasing the bar from the current owner, there are limitations to what she can do to the space, but she knows for sure that there will be plentiful images of, naturally, unicorns. She wants to preface that with a promise that it won’t be “cheesy,” as some may think when they imagine interior design inspired by unicorns. It will be fancy enough for those just looking to come in and enjoy a drink at the bar.

The space, Hoffman said, will pull inspiration from “Sex positivity, some imagery of bodies or iconic iconography, pulling in some inspirations from queer imagery, but I want it to feel like a place for everyone and not alienate anyone,” adding that, “The bathrooms will pop.” The bar, including the main area and the back room, will be able to hold a capacity of 150 people.

She intends to retain much of the Beverly’s original architecture, such as the tin ceiling, molding and wood bar; she thinks of her changes more as upgrades and improvements to an already cherished space.

The drinks that will be served at the bar are described as “classics, but elevated,” and “something for everyone, keeping it varied but not overwhelming.” In addition, there will be small plates served, including an assorted cheese plate, a mezze platter and other assembly-style dishes. Hoffman also highlighted an extensive mocktail program that the bar will be providing for alcohol-free patrons, as well as making sure there are affordable drinks on the menu. “The core community has a wide demographic financially,” she said. “No one should ever feel like they can’t come here because they can’t afford it.”

Hoffman’s greatest hope for the space is that she can “maintain regularity in a way that other venues haven’t. People enjoy knowing that their favorite spot is open and knowing that there’s a place to go, which creates security and consistency with the community and reliability with the space.”

Right now, she is still fundraising for the space and is willing to speak with anyone interested in supporting the project, whether monetarily or through sponsorship. If you fall into this category, you can reach out to Hoffman through her email, francescahoffman@gmail.com, or her Instagram, @francescahoffmanmusic. Her hope is that the space will be open by late winter or early spring of 2024.