Longing for GVO and Prime Time

GVO’s graffiti-marred front door. Photo courtesy: Ismara Cajuste

Daija Moore’s favorite places on the weekend are GVO and Prime Time, which means she has a problem. The two popular nightspots closed during the past six months.

The two clubs were all-time favorites for many students at Florida A&M University. Many students have wondered why the club line-up for this year’s homecoming is less than last year’s. One major club not far from FAMU’s campus and a restaurant that stayed open late were very popular and are no longer open.

One of the most well-liked spots in the Tallahassee area was GVO (Good Vibes Only), which was situated at the corner of Gaines Street and Railroad Avenue.

It provided numerous brunch options, Taco Tuesdays, and theme events. Early in the month of July, a “No Trespassing” sign with the message that anyone entering the building without permission of the owner, agent or employee will be prosecuted for trespassing appeared on the door of GVO.

Prime Time was also a favorite for brunch and its popular 2-for-1 weekday happy hour.

Prime Time started as a restaurant with an upscale grill offering modern American pub grub, sports on TV and a late-night happy hour on weekends.

There have been shootings on numerous occasions at Prime Time but it seems like it was closed down due to construction.

Moore is a second-year pre-physical therapy student at Tallahassee Community College who frequently went to brunch at Prime Time.

“Prime Time was a brunch spot that we no longer have,” Moore said. “They also hosted various events for homecoming that I loved attending.”

Many students hope that local business owners open something else by graduation time so they can plan adequately for their special day.

When GVO first opened its doors in September 2017, students from FAMU, FSU and TCC frequented the space. Some believe that GVO’s permanent shutdown was caused by a fatal shooting that occurred in the parking area adjacent to GVO.

Chase Moore, a fourth-year criminal justice major at FAMU, remembers attending GVO the night of the shooting.

“I could not believe as I was walking out in my heels all I could hear was gunshots,” Moore said. “I was so scared for my life.”

It was the second shooting in the capital city in less than 10 hours when shots were fired at a nightclub in Tallahassee, leaving one man dead and two others seriously hurt.

It occurred on a Friday at 2:30 a.m. The restaurant right next to GVO had already closed for the evening.

Students have said they hope the city will find a way to stop the bloodshed, which has resulted in 16 fatal shootings in Leon County so far in 2022. In addition to the opening of more modern businesses, reopening GVO would enhance the neighborhood’s appeal.