Aquaplex Key West, an extensive entertainment destination featuring a drag nightclub and bar, has acquired Lips Fort Lauderdale for an undisclosed amount. Michael and Jonathan Barrett, the owners of Aquaplex Key West, will take over as the new proprietors of Lips Fort Lauderdale. This change in ownership is expected to preserve jobs and ensure the continuation of the art of drag.
“This is an exciting venture for us as we spread our wings from Key West to South Florida,” Michael and Jonathan Barrett say. We love drag and we love it here, so it is the perfect venue for us to personalize and make our own. Our Key West experience and success have provided us with inspiration and we’re looking forward to visualizing it in Fort Lauderdale.”
Since 2007, Lips Fort Lauderdale has been a prominent drag performance venue with a well-regarded cast. It is widely known as a preferred destination for celebrating milestones such as weddings, graduations, new jobs, and anniversaries. Furthermore, the venue has played an integral role in the community by supporting numerous charitable organizations, including Neighbors 4 Neighbors, Women in Distress, Smart Ride, ArtsUnited, and others.
“The magic of Lips Fort Lauderdale has sparkled for nearly 17 years thanks to our amazing cast and crew plus our loyal fans,” says Yvonne Lame, co-owner of Lips. “We leave behind a legacy of good memories and are excited that Michael and Jonathan will transition Lips and add to its allure. Lips’ unique brand of entertainment will continue to thrive at four other locations in the U.S.”
The new owners of Aquaplex Key West also bring experience in the food service industry, having previously owned franchise locations of Taco Bell and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
“We can’t wait to immerse ourselves in the community and to incorporate our elevated drag experience here,” Barrett says. “We recently attended Lips’ Sunday brunch, and we were instantly won over by the entertaining show, camaraderie and the enthusiastic sold-out audience.”
