New Cocktail Lounge Set to Open on Wilton Drive
Next Bar & Lounge is targeting a late February to early March opening on Wilton Drive, featuring an upscale cocktail-focused experience.
WILTON MANORS, FL — Next Bar & Lounge, a new upscale cocktail lounge from the owners of Myth Gastro Bar, is targeting a late February to early March opening at 2242 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305. Co-owners Jerry Volmer, Deiler Beltran and Javier Valdes told Business Debut the team is in the final stages of construction and inspections.
The concept marks a shift from the group’s former full-service restaurant, Myth Gastro Bar, which previously operated across the street. With Next Bar & Lounge, the owners are introducing a more refined, lounge-driven experience designed around cocktails, atmosphere and entertainment.
What to Expect
Next Bar & Lounge is positioned as an elevated bar and lounge. The 1,300-square-foot space is designed so every seat has a clear view of live entertainment, creating an intimate but immersive environment for guests.
The goal, Valdes said, is to offer something that feels polished and intentional to the Wilton Manors community.
Menu and Vision
Food offerings will center on a concise tapas menu with no more than 10 items. Selections may rotate monthly, allowing the kitchen to stay flexible and seasonal.
Cocktails are expected to be a focal point of the experience. The bar program will feature inventive, presentation-forward drinks that incorporate elements such as specialty glassware and visual effects.
“It’s more of an immersive experience when you get a drink,” Valdes told Business Debut.
Ownership and Background
Beltran and Valdes both began their careers bartending locally and have spent years working in the Wilton Manors hospitality scene.
“We’re local to the community. They know us and we know them,” Valdes told Business Debut. “Why not do something you love and have it come from you instead of somebody else.”
Volmer, a silent partner in the project, brings decades of hospitality experience to Next Bar & Lounge. He previously owned and operated multiple lounge concepts, including venues in New York and Southgate, Kentucky, and also owned Pope’s Restaurant franchises in Davie and Greenacres, Florida.
While he will be less involved in day-to-day operations, Volmer’s background helped shape the direction of the concept and its long-term vision.
Opening Timeline
The team is targeting a late February to early March opening, pending final inspections. An earlier debut is possible if approvals are completed ahead of schedule.
Hours
Next Bar & Lounge plans to be closed Tuesdays. Operating hours are expected to be 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with extended hours until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Follow for More
Follow Next Bar & Lounge on Instagram. The website is currently under construction.
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