Courting a new comedy venue

I've approached a venue about putting on a monthly comedy show. It's been a while since I've beat the bushes for a host venue and put together a show. There is an excitement about it that I had forgotten.

It's a local restaurant/bar that has recently done some remodeling, and has two or three rooms that could host comedy. The place is nicely compartmentalized into several rooms, including a bar area with  pool tables, a restaurant area with restrooms and kitchen adjacent, and a covered, tiled patio area where the smokers indulge.  The bar and pool tables, or as I call them "distractions," are nicely walled off from two other rooms, either being big enough for a show.

The sparsity of good comedy rooms in the area makes it seem all the more valuable.

Aside from the physical layout and the nearness to it's lazy Comedy Coordinator (me),  there are a few drawbacks:

The patio isn't ideal because forcing an admission fee would alienate the smokers. Also, there may be an issue with water when it rains. It would seem the patio wears its "indoor/outdoor" designation with equanimity, for better or worse. So be it.

It's only in light of that that the restaurant is my preferred show location. While it has its drawbacks as well (smaller area, and tables that seem too large to me after catching the frisbee-sized-table/picnic-table methods of "packing 'em in" used at the efficient comedy rooms in the big cities)

But that is a minor quibble; the pros are appealing: a restaurant setting (I think) at least opens the potential for family-friendly shows. Granted, it's not a huge advantage, but for some reason, I am encouraged by at least the option for a slightly wider demographic (18+ rather thsan 21 and up).  Additionally, bathroom access is more immediate, and serving dinner and drinks has got to be easier with the kitchen just steps away. 

Unfortunately, there is no stage or sound system. I can manage the audio and lighting, but I nurse an enduring jealousy of any venue with a nice stage and sound system buiilt into the woodwork! Gives a show a more-solid feel. But: a luxury, not a necessity.

So now, we wait for the fickle fucker of fate to bless or curse us with her favor.  We send a note of thanks to the venue owner for hearing me out, and think good thoughts.