As you drive along Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda, especially at night, you can't miss the tops of an exploding fireworks structure and neon palm trees. Punta Gorda's iconic Slip-Not Lounge with its outdoor shipwreck bar and Key West like atmosphere strewn with nautical and other peculiar statuary and such has long been a part of our city and it's unusual if not downright un-PuntaGordan to say you've never visited the place.
The Slip Not and what used to be a trailer park b.c. (before Charley), have been in the Biehl family since the 50s. But according to the Charlotte Sun, next month Danny and Barbara Biehl plan to part with the Slip Not and all its kitch that Danny created. The sale expected to be finalized Sept. 4, will make Punta Gorda Isles resident Scott Cook the new owner. Cook is reported to have been a restaurant owner in Houston, as well as owner of a 1,500-seat night club that booked nationally known entertainers. In Punta Gorda, he has a local karaoke business totally devoted to supporting charities. His plans don't include messing with the Biehl's successful formula, but do include "installing a large covered stage, accepting credit cards and putting more emphasis on food, including breakfast and lunch right away and dinner in the future."
For those of us who have experienced the Slip Not as a neighborhood bar, a fun novelty to take visiting friends and relatives and a part of what makes Punta Gorda unique and special, we wish the best to the Biehl's and thanks for bringing Punta Gorda this gem and lots of success to its new owner.
I am absolutely devastated. I feel like I've just been told my best friend died and I didn't even know she was sick! I feel like I've been punched in the gut. Seriously. I think I'm going to be ill.
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