The name Boardwalk is internationally known as the place in South Florida to go to see male dancers. As they are about to hit a milestone 25th anniversary, I thought it appropriate to sit down with the founder of Boardwalk, Victor Zepka, and find out how it all got started.
The name Boardwalk is internationally known as the place in South Florida to go to see male dancers. As they are about to hit a milestone 25th anniversary, I thought it appropriate to sit down with the founder of Boardwalk, Victor Zepka, and find out how it all got started.
After graduating with his master’s degree from the University of Miami and going to cooking school for 6 months, Victor found himself working as a captain in Dominique’s 5 star restaurant in Miami. He was working very hard, but the money was so good he stayed and was saving money so that he could eventually open his own restaurant. While he was searching to open his own restaurant he found a bar for sale in Sunny Isles that only required $25,000 down, so he decided to venture into the bar industry. Once he took ownership he tried different theme nights, but the only thing that seemed to catch on was male strippers; the Boardwalk was born.
The Bar was located in an unincorporated part of Dade County and became super popular in the late 80’s and all through the 90’s. In the early 2000’s the city, which moved its city hall to the same plaza the Boardwalk was in, didn’t want bars in that area. After struggling with the city for over a year, Victor decided it was time to close the Boardwalk. Approximately 6 months later, in April 2002, he opened the Boardwalk in Fort Lauderdale and it became an immediate success and continues to be successful.
When I asked Victor about the secret to his success, he said, “I let all kinds of dancers work; skinny, toned, muscular, etc. I have about 3 to 5 new dancers a week and they come from the amateur contest I have every week. In other words, the audience picks who they like.”
Victor currently co-owns the Boardwalk with his best friend and roommate, (in their lovely penthouse apartment) Jim Kolkana. The Boardwalk is currently looking to expand into other major cities and Victor has already been scouting a few locations. However, he says he is moving slowly.
The pictures featured in this article are from the 25th anniversary shoot of the Boardwalk. Make sure you stop in this month and wish Victor and Jim a very happy anniversary. Also, don’t forget that on Wednesday, March 31st from 6 to 9 pm is the final night winners’ party where someone will win the grand prize of a party for 12 aboard a 58 ft yacht (RSIG Yacht Charters) with all drinks and food included. Stop in to the Boardwalk to find out how to receive a invite to this private party.
See even more behind the scenes photos here!
