For Immediate Release
LIPS FORT LAUDERDALE PURCHASED BY AQUAPLEX KEY WEST
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 6, 2024) Lips Fort Lauderdale has been purchased for an
undisclosed sum by Aquaplex Key West, an elevated entertainment venue with five
experiences under one roof including a drag nightclub and bar. Michael and Jonathan Barrett,
Aquaplex Key West owners, will be the new proprietors of Lips Fort Lauderdale effective next
week. This transition will save jobs and keep the art of drag alive.
“This is an exciting venture for us as we spread our wings from Key West to South Florida,” said
Michael and Jonathan Barrett. 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.”
Lips Fort Lauderdale has been a leading drag performance venue with a recognized cast since
2007. It is renowned as the place to celebrate any occasion from weddings to graduations, new
jobs and anniversaries. It has also been a vital part of the community, raising funds for several
charitable organizations including Neighbors 4 Neighbors, Women in Distress, Smart Ride,
ArtsUnited and more.
“The magic of Lips Fort Lauderdale has sparkled for nearly 17 years thanks to our amazing cast
and crew plus our loyal fans. 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.,” said Yvonne Lame- co-
owner of Lips.
In addition to owning Aquaplex Key West, the new proprietors have a food service background
as the owners of Taco Bell and Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise locations.
Michael Barrett added, “We can’t wait to immerse ourselves in the community and to
incorporate our elevated drag experience here. We recently attended Lips’ Sunday brunch, and
we were instantly won over by the entertaining show, camaraderie and the enthusiastic sold-out
audience.”
About Aquaplex Key West
Experience the vibrant essence of Key West’s LGBTQ+ culture at Aquaplex, with five unique
experiences under one roof. Aquaplex includes the World-Famous Aqua Theater & Bar, Birdcage Cabaret and 22&Co. Bar featuring show-stopping drag performances, savory
outdoor dining options from Aqua Belle Fusion Food Truck and wild and colorful cocktails at
the Back Bar. Aquaplex is located in the heart of the Duval Street entertainment district at 504
Angela Street in Key West. For more information, visit https://aquakeywest.com.
About Lips
The magic of Lips was born over 30 years ago in New York City. Since then, it became
renowned as a chic and eclectic venue, attracting celebrities, drag fans and bachelorettes. Its
unique brand of drag dining combined delicious dinner and brunches with choreographed Las
Vegas-style drag shows. Lips is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or any
other special occasion or to just escape reality with an amazing cast of professional
entertainers. The fun never ends at Lips with locations in New York, San Diego, Atlanta and
Chicago. For more information about Lips, visit www.lipsusa.com.
