Mark Tison
Smarty Pants Owner

Mark Tison. Photo via Smarty Pants Bar, Facebook.

By John Hayden

Smarty Pants bar epitomizes the concept of a community gathering place. Located well off Wilton Drive and the proverbial “beaten path,” it has long been a spot for LGBT to gather, visit, and have a drink.

One of the main reasons for its success is the love and dedication of owner Mark Tison, who died last year.

The bar said on their Facebook page, “It is with a heavy heart that the Smarty Pants family announces the passing of our owner, Mark Tison.”

Tison and his partner, Fritz, bought the bar in September 2003, maintaining the location as a safe space for LGBT. He brought a love of community that was expressed not only by his personality but also in his dedication to their customers. Before becoming Smarty Pants, it operated under several names including The Bushes, Little Jim’s, and Simba’s Lounge, all LGBT.

He was determined to continue the tradition.

“It was their dream to own a fabulous, fun and flirty bar, and has been a staple of the Fort Lauderdale community. Smarty Pants Bar is the oldest neighborhood "alternative lifestyle" bar in Fort Lauderdale,” their post read.

This is an excerpt from a story that ran in South Florida Gay News. Reprinted with permission from John Hayden.