Research when there is no similar biz in area?

[cops25]

Hi all. I stumbled on this place while trying to research some business ideas for a coffee shop (I know it's not related, but read on please).
Our area has a well above-average of youths 14-20, and during my work I've talked to many of them (as well as parents). the number one complaint is always "nowhere for us to go" (the area is generally teen "unfreindly"...no skateboards, no sitting in groups of more than three at the mall, etc).
I had originally planned to open a small espresso cafe, and hold evening hours for the teens (with younger oriented theme), but after finding this place, I'm wondering if a teen club would be in order. I have learned many of the "cons" by browsing the other threads, but I've also learned a few "pros" as well. Security-wise, many of my coworkers would be willing to moonlite, so I have that covered, and I worked at a bar (bouncing/bartending) years ago, but as far as following the advice of working at a similar type club, there is nothing in the area that would qualify...we have bars, but nothing as far as a place for kids.
Any advice would be appreciated...and if you think it's a total bomb, dont worry about being brutally honest...my skin has grown quite thick over the years.
Thanks all.

[G-Dog]

How about buddying up with any of the local kids organizations? Boy Scouts, Boys'Girls Clubs chirch youth groups (don't laugh, they've got money too) or any other kid minded organization like Kiwanis, Rotary or Lions clubs for support. You really want a safe environment, that is wholesome while not obviously chaperoned....oh yeah...and lots of insurance.

Just some random thoughts.

[Thomas]

First thing,

Check on availability of insurance.

Thomas

[Cheek]

I think part of the challenge is finding things for kids to do so they don't get at each other. Idle hands are the devil's playground, and that goes ten-fold for teens.

Being in a college town, we slow down quite a bit in the summer. We sometimes will do a teen night during the summer to help with summer sales. Dealing with kids can certainly be a challenge to say the least.
I was thinking recently how I could keep these kids occupied so that I could avoid any problems. What I mean is instead of just packing them in and letting them run around screaming, what activities could I provide for them to keep them busy.
If anybody has some unique activity ideas, please post them, I would love to hear them. I have a few including, dance contests, limbo contests, ping pong tournaments, etc. The problem is kids are so sensitive to things that are "cool". I am trying to think outside the box for activities that will keep them entertained.