One of the legendary figures in South Florida’s club scene is Victor Zepka, owner of the Boardwalk Bar. Looking back from the “vantage point” of 1984, who would have thought that what started as a piano bar in Sunny Isles would become one of the world’s most famous male strip nightclubs? Zepka found the location quite by accident, and at a time when there were far fewer gay bars in town.

“At that time there was a club called 13 Buttons, and the old Seagull Resort,” notes Zepka. “You would never walk down Lincoln Road after 6:00 p.m. There were no safe places and no lighted parking lots at the time,” he adds. At this point, the bar was far from the success it would achieve—or the theme it would adopt.

“It was ‘okay’ business-wise,” explains Zepka about the bar’s early days, “but I just knew that there was much more that I had expected.” The club had yet to take on the trappings that would make it famous.

“Then one day a customer said, ‘Gee I wish there was a club around that featured male dancers,’” Zepka remembers. “I started out with one dancer, who would come out between sets of the piano player, and then I added another and another and, finally, it was one of those things that happened on a lark, and the rest as they say is ‘history,’” Zepka says with a laugh.

Although he was enjoying the successes of owning a popular spot, the true impact of it had yet to hit. That was soon to change. “After the business really took off, I went to Amsterdam, as the boyfriend wanted to try marijuana legally. While we were there at a local bar, the bartender and two of the patrons asked where we lived,” says Zepka. “We told them ‘Miami,’ and after a second, they asked ‘Have you heard of a place called the Boardwalk?’ It was really quite flattering,” he admits.

“Can you imagine that in South Florida we get five million tourists a year, and Las Vegas gets 53 million a year? We are so fortunate to have the kind of quality people who visit, and Boardwalk is fortunate to have the staff and the boys who work for us,” he says.

Just after the turn of the millennium, Zepka relocated the business from Sunny Isles to its present location in Greater Fort Lauderdale. “It is hard to believe that we have now been here in the new location for 10 years,” says Zepka. Along the way, he acquired a new business partner in the person of Jim Kolkana, who himself boasts a highly successful history as an entrepreneur. The Boardwalk continues to grow: In their current location, Zepka and Kolkana have partnered with longtime community member and restaurateur Vicky Bennett to open the very popular Beefcakes Restaurant.

Zepka is grateful for his success, and for the ongoing community support. “At this point we don’t have to recruit people, they actually seek us out. One of the things that we really promote is that we are gay owned and operated. We support gay-owned businesses and hope that they return the support, and not just to us.”

Zepka tries to maintain a generous personal outlook on business. “Sean David, the owner of Johnny’s [a competing men’s strip nightclub], is a former business partner here at Boardwalk. I love him, as he is a gay man and I want people to support him and his business,” says Zepka, with the mark of a true gentleman.perfect fit to re-introduce the Jackhammer T-Dance.”

The pair teamed up recently with original “Studio 54” bartender Sal Defalco, and original “Studio 54” deejay Richie Rich, and held a “Studio 54 Reunion Weekend Party.” It was so successful, that another one has been planned for September. Get ready, too, for the Blackheart Ball in April, to benefit Broward House and the Leather Archives and Museum. If you haven’t stopped by recently, please do and make sure you tell them that Florida Agenda sent you.

One of South Florida’s entertainment success stories is Matty’s on the Drive in Wilton Manors. The club celebrates its 3rd anniversary on Monday, August 22nd. It will be a weekend of festivities leading up to the big night on the 22nd, including the finals of the 2012 Charity Calendar Contest.
The popularity of Matty’s even surprises its owners. “We were looking to have a small neighborhood bar,” said Matt Auslander. “Yes, we were surprised and humbled at the response from the community.”

Matty’s opened as an 1800 square foot, no smoking bar on August 22nd, 2008. Over the past three years, it has grown into two extra bays totaling 3600 square feet and will soon open the long awaited deli.

What are the ingredients of success for Matty’s? Auslander credits its staff, the no smoking policy and its customers. Expect one heck of an anniversary party.

Celebration of Life Get Together

Mona’s bar is having a Celebration of Life get together in memory of the late John ‘Mary’ Lyons on Thursday, August 25th. Mona’s owner, Jerry Schultz, is planning an upbeat and happy gathering for the popular mixologist who passed away recently. “It’s going to be a heavenly celebration and remembrance of John,” said Schultz. An open mic will be available, plenty of drink specials and a cookout. Festivities will begin at about 2PM on the 25th.

Victor Zepka in The Hot Seat

We will roast loveable Victor Zepka of Boardwalk fame on Sunday, August 21st. The Celebrity Roast will be held at The Manor starting at 8PM. Victor is a longtime fixture in the South Florida entertainment scene, having the first Boardwalk in North Miami Beach and promoter of the Miss Florida Pageant.
Victor has legions of friends who are dying to take the stage and tell a few tales. Joe Posa, as Joan Rivers, will be Master of Ceremonies. A pre-fix dinner special will be available at $25.00. We urge you to call in advance to reserve a table.

Congratulations to Bobby Blair

Bobby is one of the hardest working guys I know. He has a positive energy and tends to see the good in everyone and everything. Last week, Bobby Blair’s good fortunes came to fruition when it was announced that Multimedia Platforms, LLC had merged with Cybermesh International, a technology based company based out of California. Bobby’s duties have expanded and he will become the CEO of this company. Congrats, Bobby, and expect some earth shattering news over the next few months.

Short Takes
• Club Entrepreneur Mark Lowe has found a location for his new Miami club. Expect an opening in November.
• Bill’s Filling Station hosts Emmy Award winner Leslie Jordan on Monday, Aug. 22nd, at 9PM. No cover!
• Belated birthday wishes to my good friend Pompano Bill.
• Our very own Electra held over in Atlantic City where she has had a fabulous three month gig. Electra has been playing to packed houses.

Thanks for picking us up this week and remember: To have a friend, you must first be a friend.

If you have a “scoop” for Brad Casey, please e-mail your information to BradC@jumponmarkslist.com