The place has been called the “sleeping giant on the drive.” It appears the sleeping pussy cat has awoken and its roar is being heard up and down Wilton Drive and a far. Matty’s on the Drive, named after founder Matt Auslander, is stirring the pot and, from all reports, the community is responding and loving it (Excuse us McDonalds).

Is it the no smoking policy, the drink prices, the cleanliness, the staff, the video music, the young clientele, the owners? Just what is it that is drawing big crowds to this neighborhood bar?

“Probably all of it,” says Matt Auslander, who has been in the nightlife business for 25 years. “Matty’s was designed to be a place for people and friends to gather in a safe, clean environment and just kick back,” he says.

Matty’s is expanding and will soon open the Oy Vey Deli, a New York styled deli that will open for lunch and serve traditional overstuffed deli sandwiches until the wee hours of the morning.

“We wanted to be a true neighborhood watering hole,” said Terry Norman, who liked what was going on at Matty’s and joined Auslander, a longtime friend, as a partner not too long ago,. “Matty’s has created a niche for itself on the drive and I wanted to be a part of it,” Norman added. Matty’s has expanded twice by taking over neighboring space and will expand a third time by taking an extra bay.

“We needed more space so when the third bay became available, we grabbed it,” said Auslander.

Matty’s has formed a close alliance with its neighbors, Rosie’s and New Moon, who have worked together on a number of promotions. “We get along extremely well and have one common goal and that is promoting the north end of the Drive,” said Auslander.

On their 2nd anniversary, celebrated August 20 – 22, expect some loud roars including giveaways worth hundreds of dollars. The giveaways include a $250 bar tab, Apple IPAD, a Nintendo Wii and anniversary T-shirts. Entertainment will be provided by New York vocalist Spicky Hilton. Also, one of South Florida’s local TV stations will film portions of the weekend celebration for the kickoff of a new lifestyle program.