Andrea Markey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (June 03/05) - Dan Ireland and his brother Nathan have a lot of work ahead of them in the next two weeks as they finish transforming the old Checker's building on Franklin Avenue into the largest dance club and lounge in Yellowknife.

Dan Ireland and his brother Nathan (not pictured) are renovating the old Checker's building across from the Swap Shop on Franklin Avenue and turning it into a bar. When it opens June 17, the White Fox will be the largest bar in town.

The White Fox will open its doors June 17 at 2 p.m. for food and 8 p.m. for dancing.

Fresh paint on the walls and new flooring to replace the 15-year old carpet, and a long list of other renovations, will make people say "wow" when they walk in, Dan Ireland said.

The existing hardwood dance floor has been expanded to accommodate two-step country dancing or whatever customers ask for, he said.

"We want to change the bar scene in Yellowknife," Dan said.

"We want to bring back live music," Dan said.

Starting in September, the two-brother team will bring in live bands every week, with Wednesday night reserved for local bands.

DJ Renn Davies will spin the tunes over the summer.

With a capacity for 177 people downstairs and 179 people upstairs, Dan said there shouldn't be any lineups.

"There will be a continuous flow of people upstairs and down," he said.

Three coin-free pool tables upstairs, a big screen TV and bench seating will create a "warm, casual atmosphere," he said. Open floor space in the lounge upstairs will allow patrons to watch the dance floor and DJ from above.

"It allows for all of the energy from the dance floor downstairs to flow up," he said.

Moderately priced food will be served in the lounge area, with a focus on appetizers.

"It is hard to find good appetizers in town," Dan said. "The only thing deep-fried here will be the french fries."

On peak nights, the White Fox will need 20-22 staff. A former bartender himself, Dan said he wants his staff to have fun at work.

The lounge will be open six days a week and the club five days a week.