Entrepreneur Victor G. Harvey is set to make history with Florida’s first Black-owned distillery. The ambitious project is part of a larger $6 million entertainment complex in Fort Lauderdale.
Harvey secured a $2.45 million loan from the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency to kickstart this groundbreaking venture.
A Multifaceted Entertainment Hub in the Heart of Fort Lauderdale
The Victory Entertainment Complex will be a two-story, 15,000-square-foot facility. It’s designed to house various Black-owned businesses, creating a vibrant cultural and economic center. The complex will feature:
- A restaurant
- A cigar bar
- A whiskey lounge
- Event space
- A rooftop bar and lounge
- The Old Sistrunk Distillery
Construction is expected to take 16 months. Harvey plans to fund the remaining costs through personal investments.
The Old Sistrunk Distillery: A Historic First for Florida
At the heart of the complex lies The Old Sistrunk Distillery. Harvey believes it will be Florida’s first Black-owned distillery. This landmark achievement represents a significant step forward in the spirits industry.
The distillery will produce products from Harvey’s Victor George Spirits company. VG Vodka, their flagship product, is already available in 44 states. Retailers include Total Wine, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s.
Revitalizing the Community and Honoring Black History
Harvey’s vision extends beyond business success. He aims to create a source of pride for the Black community. The complex is named after the historic Victory Theatre, paying homage to local history.
“This will bring the Black community a sense of pride,” Harvey stated. “It is designed to keep people here as well as attract others from different parts of South Florida and visitors.”
Overcoming Challenges to Realize a Dream
The journey to this milestone hasn’t been smooth. Originally planned to open in February 2020, the project faced numerous setbacks. These included:
- Challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic
- Parking plan issues
- City approval processes
- The departure of rapper Flo Rida from the project
Despite these obstacles, Harvey remained committed to his vision. “We started working on this project in 2019,” he explained. “After encountering several challenges including the pandemic, we were able to stay the course and see it through.”
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The Victory Entertainment Complex promises to be more than just a leisure destination. It’s set to become an economic engine for the local community. Harvey emphasized the project’s potential for job creation:
“This building will provide the community and our city along with those that visit the best and most vibrant experiences to enjoy,” he said. “Along with creating several jobs, most of which will come from the community.”
