Last May, David Robinson opened Trios in downtown Joplin in spite of hard economic times.

“Regardless of the economy, if there is a need you fill it,” Robinson said. “There needs to be a place in Joplin that is more of an event center.”

The focus of Trios is to offer a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere that appeals to a variety of interest without sending a person to a bar. The building offers three spacious rooms, each with its own theme.

“The focus is on local sports, local history and local art,” Robinson said. “There is a need for people to have events-to actually gather in an adult type of situation without going to a bar or without going to a restaurant. We have some food but we keep our menu relatively basic. What we bring in is guest chefs like Hien Han (Han the Sushi Man).”

Robinson said the demand for inexpensive relaxation is what prompted him to open Trios. He felt that offering such a place would be beneficial to the community.

“There are a lot of good things happening in downtown Joplin right now,” he said. “There is a lot of money, entrepreneurs and people are trying to fill the niche. We also have the community that is trying to make an effort and as long as we aren’t fighting each other, I think the city of Joplin is going to succeed.”

Trios is open from Tuesday through Saturday to the public.

“Tuesdays are open mike nights,” Robinson said. “Wednesdays I do more of a jazz type situation. We do it big on Thursdays because of the art walk. Friday and Saturday we are open to events because we generally have a lot of live music in here.”

Trios is open from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and open to special events for Sunday and Monday.