John Todora
John "Johnny" Todora (born Dec 27th, 1970) is an American entrepreneur and chef. He is best known as the creator and operator of several brands in the nightlife and restaurant industry such as Whiskey Tango All-American Bar and Grill and Tootsies Cabaret. Media outlets have characterized John Todora as a “sports bar expert” and a “King of Internet Radio” thanks to his now defunct online radio show, The Smut Drs.
Background
John Todora grew up in Center Township, Pennsylvania. He attended Penn State and Florida International University majoring in advertising.
Business
In 1999, Todora became the Entertainment Director and Head of Marketing for Tootsies Cabaret in Miami, Florida. Todora was instrumental in designing and launching the new, redesigned Tootsies Cabaret. The redesigned club is a 42,000 square foot establishment 3 stages which welcomes an average of 1200 a night.
In 2003, Todora became the Creative Director of Tootsies Cabaret, focusing on helping to build the brand throughout South Florida and the United States.[1] Under Todora’s Creative Direction, Tootisies Cabaret was named “Best Strip Club in Miami” for 7 straight years by the New Times magazine. In addition, Tootsies was named “Best Club in the South East” twice and Best Club in the USA by Exotic Dancer Magazine.
Tootsies was purchased by a publicly traded company, Ricks, in 2007 for just over 24 million dollars.
In 2007, Todora Founded Creative Kitchen, a restaurant management and marketing company. Creative Kitchen is responsible for creating and repairing several restaurant and nightlife brands Creative Kitchen has since expanded to serve clients in Florida, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Thailand.
In 2010, Todora founded Whiskey Tango All American Bar and Grill which has won Best Bar in South Florida three years in a row from the Broward/Palm Beach New Times. Whiskey Tango is also credited with being the anchor of the blossoming Downtown Hollywood area.[2] When Whiskey Tango opened its doors, occupancy of Downtown Hollywood was 40%. As of November of 2013, occupancy is near 95%.[3][4]
Media
The Smut Drs/The Dr Johnny Show
Todora hosted the online radio show known as the Smut Doctors then partner Mike "Platypus" DeSuno. The show gained notoriety for its edgy content during the FCC crackdowns of 2005. During this time he was called "The King of Internet Radio", by Maxim Magazine and was featured in local South Florida magazines such as the Miami New Times as well as several national publications.
Todora is also regularly tabbed as a "Sports Bar Expert" on ESPN, CNBC, NBA Channel and Good Morning America.[5]
References
- ^ http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2008-10-16/music/hip-hop-fame-at-south-florida-strip-clubs/
- ^ http://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/improving-operations/5-great-ideas/articles/consolation-prize
- ^ http://www.cnbc.com/id/41994156
- ^ http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2010/11/bosh-james-and-wade-running-up-a-huge-bar-bill/1#.UxfOLfldU2B
- ^ http://www.simandan.com/?p=10672