Oh, what a difference a year makes. In August 2024, Lips was closing its doors, a victim of indifferent ownership and a lack of fresh ideas or vision. After a last minute deal to keep the doors open, a rebrand as Aquaplex and an extensive renovation, the venue is doing better than ever.
On Saturday, Aug. 16, they celebrated their one-year anniversary by launching a new, showtune-based production called Off Off Broadway.
“It’s our one-year anniversary this week,” International Show Director Velvet Lenore said while introducing the show. “I have a rule: have fun!” The crowd eagerly complied.
The show is well produced and well paced, while the renovations, including the background and built-in smoke machines, add elements that raise production values.
“The fresh air is that the new owners are really in tune and taking care of us (the performers/staff). They fully understand what’s going on and, to me, that’s more than we can ever ask for. I don’t know very many clubs that do that at all,” Lenore said.
The new owners, Jon and Michael Barrett, also own Aqua in Key West. After turning the brand into a franchise by absorbing the Lips location, they started dreaming bigger. They have announced PRIDE Holdings Group, a company to acquire LGBTQ-themed venues across the country.
They are acquiring domestic brands including Johnson’s, Parliament House, and The Birdcage Cabaret. In Europe, they will promote the Stonewall brand.
“The motivation to come up with Pride Holdings is based more on a survival instinct,” Jon Barrett told OutSFL. “Over the years, we’ve seen a lot of different venues close for various reasons.”
While operating any small venue/bar/restaurant is an uphill battle, the LGBTQ community is under even greater pressure and scrutiny. Barrett believes by joining forces and providing continuity throughout the country and Europe, our culture will be stronger than ever.
They also are working on creating a hotel group as well as developing Castello di Camino, an 11th century castle in Piedmont, Italy.
