Marcus Pinkney, former owner of The Factory and a pharmaceutical rep by day, is returning to familiar real estate. In July, he and a silent partner plan to open Sway, an “upscale” dance club at 412 Louisiana, the former home of The Factory and, most recently, SpeakEasy.

For six years, Pinkney was part of the ownership of The Factory, first as a partner and latter as the sole owner. He said he tired of the grind, but after a break, is ready to return to the club scene. He explained his reemergence in his old space as part of the “cyclical nature” of the downtown bar scene. Unlike The Factory, which billed itself as “the alternative lifestyles club,” Pinkney said Sway is aiming for “any and everybody.”

Advertisement

Elements of Design and Lighting Innovations have been contracted to help transform the 3,500 square-foot space into what Pinkney said is the sort of dance club you’d see in a larger city. The floor plan sounds promising: A dance floor in the middle of the room, framed by seating raised four to six feet and looking down onto the floor. The rear of the building will offer a 600 square-foot patio — the only place where smoking will be allowed.

Initially, Sway will be open Thursday through Saturday, though Pinkey says he’s already talking with a promoter about doing live music for Wednesday happy hour. Thursday tentatively is 80s and 90s night. Otherwise, the soundtrack will largely tilt towards house music.

Advertisement

It’ll be open 2 a.m. except on Friday Saturday, when it’ll close at 1 a.m. And: 21 and up.

Be a Part of the Fight

Step up and make a difference by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, the progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock that's been fighting for truth for 50 years. Our tough, determined, and feisty journalism has earned us over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, all of whom value our commitment to holding the powerful accountable. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Join us in the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article The Tea Party giveth … Next article Bread and circuses