“Average” just isn’t a word one would use to describe Dustin and Laney Roths. Instead, more appropriate adjectives would be driven, hardworking, successful, and ambitious. The two came onto the downtown Hays business scene slightly over a decade ago and since then, have proceeded to take The Bricks in Downtown Hays by storm, proving that their desire to make their mark is anything but average.
Since the 2011 opening of their longest-running business and popular jewelry store, Diamond R Jewelry, the two have made even more of a name for themselves, owning and running a total of three elite downtown Hays businesses: Diamond R Jewelry, The Strand Event Center, and most recently, completed the trifecta by purchasing the historic Fox Theatre in June of 2021.
Anyone who is familiar with downtown Hays knows that The Fox has been an entertainment staple in the community for well over half a century. The multi-purpose building is widely known as one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the state of Kansas, and with several recent changes in ownership, the common goal has been to maintain its historical charm while making it functional and appealing in the present-day era.
Dustin, a native of Ransom, and Laney, a native of Salina, reside in Hays with their two children, Nolan (5) and Scarlett (2). Beyond owning and operating three businesses, the two somehow find time to participate and volunteer in the community of Hays, and Laney, who is an instructor at Fort Hays State University, is currently in the process of finishing up her doctorate at Kansas State University.
Within their first year of owning The Fox Theatre, the couple’s ambition to be anything but average has propelled The Fox, which was originally a movie theatre with a large screen and seating for over 1,000 patrons, into what is now becoming well-known as a prestigious space to host a wide array of events- including but not limited to weddings, concerts, comedy shows, speaking engagements, and even bridal and baby showers.
Originally, the plan was to expand on the couple’s wedding venue business, The Strand, but the building is proving to have a wealth of versatility, and is really hitting its stride as a well-known concert venue. “We had originally bought the building thinking that weddings would be the bulk or at least the majority of our business. Since dipping our toes into concerts we are beginning to realize that there is a big need for a great concert venue in our area. We have now sold out multiple shows and plan to try to keep the momentum of happy concert-goers continuing as long as people love their experiences at The Fox,” stated Dustin.
Because the building was intact and had been well taken care of over the years, there wasn’t a great deal of inside transition needed to convert it into an ideal concert space. “The Fox building has had more than a million dollars put into it over the last 20 years. It is a landmark piece of real estate in Hays. We only needed to concentrate on the equipment that it takes to put on great shows and continue to maintain this great property,” explained Dustin.
Propelling the quest to provide an above-average experience at the venue, Dustin says that there is a strong emphasis placed on the happiness and well-being of those who attend an event at The Fox. “We concentrate on our customers’ experience; we care about putting on great shows no matter if we are making or losing money in order to build up the venue. We concentrate on good staffing and pay our employees extremely well so that we can be picky about the quality of staff that we bring on.”
Concert-goers can expect an indoor climate-controlled atmosphere, world-class sound and lighting, reasonable drink prices with unique specialty drinks, and a safe, friendly, and helpful staff.
In just the short year the couple has owned The Fox, the building has played host to quite an impressive handful of concerts, and the upcoming summer schedule is sure to attract listeners of all ages, walks of life, and musical tastes.
Dustin lent more insight into what listeners can expect this summer. “Our summer series is really power-packed. Charley Crockett, Blackhawk, Casey Donahew, and Ian Munsick (sold-out) are all going to be excellent shows. For us the excitement really comes from seeing downtown Hays packed full of people who are really enjoying their lives out in Northwest Kansas.”
Concert-goers will easily recognize what makes the venue so well-suited for music. “Because it was built as a movie theater it offers a sound experience that you can never get in a big arena. It’s an intimate concert setting of under 1000 people and the charm of the 1950’s era that it was built in. “Cool” is the ultimate feeling that we want to get out of all of our concert goers,” said Dustin.
The fact that people in the area are realizing how great the business is for concerts is a great cause for pride for the Roths couple. “We are really proud that The Fox is becoming known as a world-class concert venue. Our staff, management, and sound and lighting are among the best that many artists run into and that has allowed us access to some of the biggest talent agencies in the world. We do our best to make sure every artist that shows up to play at The Fox is treated extremely well and they leave with a great experience.”
The venue has sold out multiple shows and is beginning to book the bigger agencies that feel confident sending their best talent to The Fox. “When we book an act now we really expect to see at least 400 people. Full sell-out shows sell 750 plus tickets,” said Dustin.
Like any new business venture, there was a learning curve getting started, especially cracking into the live music industry. And while concerts and music are definitely a focal point, Dustin would like to stress that overall the emphasis is on a great customer experience, regardless of the event. “We are really focusing on a positive experience for people, not just at concerts, but also at weddings, conferences, and corporate parties and events. Now we think we’ve really started to see the success of the business transition,” he said.
The Fox employs 15 individuals between bartenders, an event coordinator, sound and lighting technician, cleaning crew, and setup crew. “We seem to be hiring all the time for bartenders so definitely keep an eye out if you have any interest!” mentioned Dustin.
Overall, the Roths family is just enjoying being able to make their mark in downtown Hays and feeling like they are a positive asset to the area. “The best part of downtown business ownership is feeling like we are gaining momentum that really increases the quality of life for all the people in the area. We love partnering with other businesses to build a better downtown and really grow on each other’s successes.”
Dustin can only recommend giving the Fox a visit. “We would just love to have people give The Fox another shot! Even if you don’t know the musician, comedian, or entertainer we can’t tell you how often people tell us how great it sounds in the building. Our sound technician has really done wonders to make sure our guests at The Fox are getting one of the best experiences they can have in live music.”
So, about that quest to be above-average; “We aren’t just another concert venue- we think The Fox is truly special and a great addition to entertainment for all of Northwest Kansas and beyond.”
