AquaPlex in Fort Lauderdale is closed, as is the one in Key West and its sister bar, Birdcage Cabaret. And don’t forget Lucky’s in West Palm Beach and Johnsons which is facing its own challenges. They’re all owned by Pride Holdings Group (PHG) and, until July, Michael and Jon Barrett. Employees and former employees say they’ve had bounced checks, credit card tips withheld, payroll taxes taken out but not turned over to the state, making them ineligible for unemployment.

We have reached out to PHG through their website and to COO Joshua Cooper through social media but both have not responded to questions about lawsuits, evictions, bounced checks, taxes, and more.

They are facing multiple lawsuits and will be in court on Friday, Aug. 7. While this case revolves around a bar in Chicago, attorney Tom Shanahan, part of the team suing PHG, is looking for witnesses in South Florida.

“Now is the time for people to come forward and enable us to show the judge that this case is.. about ongoing conduct that’s taking place in Broward County as we speak,” he said.

He is asking for anyone who dealt with PHG, contractors, employees, etc., to contact him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Shanahan says even if PHG is caught up with people or businesses financially, they could still face legal action.

This is a civil case. No criminal charges have yet been brought against PHG or its executives. Friday’s hearing, in which PHG is asking the judge to dismiss the case, will be on Zoom.

Full disclosure: J&J Media, which publishes Out South Florida, is one of the creditors owed by PHG.

Photo via Pixabay.