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Paradise is a gay nightclub in Asbury Park, New Jersey. It is connected to the neighboring Empress Hotel; both are owned by record producer Shep Pettibone. The club's 1999 opening is credited as one factor that improved Asbury Park's then-struggling economy. Paradise is known for its fundraisers and drag shows, most notable of which is the annual Miss Paradise pageant. The venue is a popular Jersey Shore destination in the summer, and it has received praise for its welcoming atmosphere.

Description
Paradise is located adjacent to the boardwalk in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The street outside the venue is adorned with a rainbow crosswalk. Managed by Joseph "JoJo" Crisci, Paradise is connected to the Empress Hotel and features an outdoor swimming pool. Lisa Rose of NJ.com wrote that "[a]lthough the club is geared toward the gay community, the crowd is eclectic, not limited by sexual orientation or age". Most of its clientele are in their early 20s to late 50s. Inside, Paradise is known for its dance music, comedy events and fundraisers. It runs a number of weekly drag shows, including "Bitchy Bingo" and tea dances. It also hosts Miss Paradise, an annual drag pageant whose winner is awarded a yearlong show at the club.

History


Music producer Shep Pettibone purchased the Empress Hotel and its adjoining nightclub in 1998, at which time the facilities had been non-operational for more than a decade. He renovated both properties but focused on the nightclub first; renamed Paradise, it opened its doors in May 1999. The hotel followed five years later. According to NJ.com, Paradise is one of the oldest continuously operated gay clubs in New Jersey and has played a role in "the revitalization of Asbury Park". The town and its businesses, including well-known locales like The Stone Pony, were struggling at the time Paradise opened, and the return of the club and hotel helped boost the local economy. After Hurricane Sandy blew the roof off of the Empress in 2012, Pettibone gave Paradise a number of upgrades, including a new dance floor, video displays and laser lights.

Miss Paradise 2018, Honey Davenport, went on to compete on the 11th season of RuPaul's Drag Race. Miss Paradise 2019, Mancie Mandell, was succeeded by the current reigning Miss Paradise, Olivia Lux. The 2020 edition of the pageant, held in February 2020, featured a celebrity judge, Margaret Josephs of The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Like other New Jersey nightlife venues, Paradise was ordered to close at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey. It was able to reopen its tiki bar and pool area for outdoor service in summer 2020.

Reception
In its 2018 article "All 47 bars in Asbury Park, ranked worst to best", NJ.com listed Paradise in 21st place and called it "the most popular gay club at the Jersey Shore". The venue has received praise for "the 'family-like' feeling one gets inside" and for "the transformative work it has done for the LGBT community over the past two decades". Michael Cook of Hornet.com said, "Poolside cocktails, tea dances and top DJs make Paradise the go-to spot for spending those lazy (and not-so-lazy) days of summer."