Meet John Fitz | The Fitz

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Fitz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Somewhere between Montana and Wyoming sporting a slight beer buzz is where I came up with the idea of starting my own business. It was early Summer of 2020 and the world was at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was entering my third week of a cross country trip that eventually lasted 49 nights covering 13,000 miles over 23 states. “Social distancing” was changing the worlds behavior. The small things in life like having a conversation over a few beers seemed to be in jeopardy. Difficult times for all but I was convinced that the art of having good conversation over a few drinks was not extinct.

The love of domestic travel is the other reason I decided to get into the Bar business. I have been fortunate to drive across and experience every continental state of the USA. It is a beautiful country and has a lot to offer. I found enjoyment in frequenting the local watering holes. From big cities to tiny towns my goal was to discover the local bar where you find the true DNA of that neighborhood.

For these reasons I created The Fitz Bar & Lounge in my hometown of Fort Lauderdale. A off the beaten path unpretentious “watering hole” where everyone is welcomed. The Fitz Bar & Lounge is NOT your typical Lauderdale bar experience but it does exemplify the diverseness of this burgeoning city. A warm and comfortable environment where cell phone use is scare and conversation over a few drinks is rampant. The true DNA of Fort Lauderdale. Come find out for yourself.
 Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My professional life would be best described as diverse. After graduating college in 1988 I spent seven years as a cop, 13 years in the corporate world, 12 years in the private sector and six years as a hair salon owner. I only mention the hair salon because if you look at my profile pic you are thinking really! I have also sold real estate and worked for local municipalities. Bottom line is that the diversity I have learned from each career is crucial to my success today. Behind every business there is a story and that story always starts years prior to the business. As a matter of fact The Fitz Bars’ motto is “what’s your story”.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The first stop is a no brainer, The Fitz Bar & Lounge of course. We would enjoy at least one of there 7 craft cocktails that were recently voted Eater Miami top 9 best cocktail bars in Broward County. From there I would show the diversity of South Florida which include restaurants and bars on Las Olas Blvd . Eddie V’s steakhouse and The Golden Lyon pub come to mind. We would end up at the world famous Elbo Room where I have been a consistent customer since 1986. The best people watching in the world. A slow drive to Key West with multiple stops along the Overseas highway would also be on the agenda.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Thinking of starting a business was easy. Actually creating it was not. A big “shoutout” to the following who made a thought into reality. Stewart Robin/Architect, Tracy of TRS consulting/Sound, Natasha Broman/Design, Alex Fazio/Timely Inspiration, Sara Shake/Branding, Joselyn Ruiz/Permitting and licensing and Anna (bulldog) Nezhyva who was in the trenches with me every day of a 15 month buildout. They are all truly professionals and the absolute best at what they do.

Website: www.thefitz.bar

Instagram: thefitz.bar

Facebook: The Fitz Bar + Lounge

Yelp: The Fitz Bar & Lounge

Image Credits
Valerie Snow