The Earl was opened in 1999 by John Searson, a long-time Atlanta resident but a newcomer to the restaurant and live entertainment business.

The building at 488 Flat Shoals Avenue was being used to store mattresses when Searson signed the lease with the intention of transforming the space into a club and lounge.

Much of the business was built by hand, with licensed contractors called in when needed.

Searson let a friend sleep in the back to protect the property from any local criminals.

A local distributor had donated three kegs of Pabst Blue Ribbon, but Searson says one of those was consumed before the doors were even open.