Studio 80 provides nostalgic nights and plenty of lava lamps

It may be 2017, but the current fashion trends are focusing on the ’80s and ’90s. Chokers are back in style, Wayfarers never left, mini backpacks are back as well as overalls, Members Only Jackets, off-the-shoulder sweatshirts, crop tops and leotards. Studio 80 keeps the nostalgia alive by giving people a space to time travel by providing an atmosphere and music from the ’80s and ’90s.

Jeffrey Murtha, Studio 80 owner, started the first Studio 80 in Fort Worth as a joke. Murtha was retired for two months when he and his friends started talking about the perfect bar; a place where they could listen to the music they wanted and forget about the current year. They did not think the bar would become popular, but quickly found out they were not the only people in Fort Worth who wanted a space that looked and felt like the ’80s.

Murtha is sharing his love for the ’80s with Webster, TX. He is the first person to have ever franchised out of Fort Worth and he plans to franchise at least 10 others in the coming years. Murtha said he already loved Webster so when the city bent over backwards to help him build the club, he knew he chose the right place.

The club has a state of the art sound system and light show. TVs are everywhere and on each on is the music video of the song that is playing. Unlike other bars that show different programming on each TV, Murtha’s decision to keep all the screens the same is to keep the theme.

“If you notice, there isn’t any sports being shown on the TVs,” Murtha said. “Even though there is a big fight tonight (Canelo vs. Chavez Jr.) you will not see that in here. I wouldn’t want to go to a bar and watch sports, so I’m not having it here.”

Besides the constant ’80s music videos, Studio 80 keeps the theme with large lava lamps placed on the bar so every couple of steps there is a different colored lava lamp.

The waitresses wear neon off-the-shoulder sweatshirts with leggings and leg warmers. The dance floor is the main focal point in the club. Murtha built the dance floor in two days, which includes different colored light-up tiles to provide the ultimate ’80s dance experience.

To keep the bar’s theme and atmosphere, Studio 80 will enforce a strict dress code. Either dress to impress or get turned away at the door. Murtha has the dress code to make his bar more upscale. The dress code is also a way for the employees to recognize who is trustworthy. While creating the club Murtha kept in mind his girlfriend and her safety.

“I wanted to create a space where all girls, including my girlfriend, would feel comfortable sitting alone at the bar,” Murtha said.

Murtha plans on staying involved with his club in Fort Worth. He recently held “A Night of Special Stars Fashion Show” in Fort Worth May 7. Studio ’80’s website described the event as “a night of Special Stars. Our participants will be modeling on our runway and working our venue. 100 percent of proceeds will be split between the participants.” Murtha hopes to bring the fashion show to Webster in the near future.

Studio 80 had its grand opening May 18, but Murtha is going to continue adding different elements to set the club apart from the others. One of his plans is adding a grill. The club will have happy hour and serve kabobs to eliminate the need for dishes. The finger food will be served on wax paper.

Studio 80 also has a dance floor on the outside patio. Another addition Murtha hopes to bring to Webster is to have bands on the weekends during the happy hour.

If anyone is interested in time travel, stop by Studio 80 to be transported to the ’80s and ’90s.

Also published on Medium.