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In a town where a typical nightclub might last a few years, Zanzabar Nightclub outlived many rivals. But this weekend, the music will stop and the doors will close for good at the Waikiki dance spot after almost 14 years.
The owners of the club said a combination of reduced business, a need to renovate and the inability to obtain a new lease led to the decision to end Zanzabar’s long run at the Waikiki Trade Center.
"It was an exciting adventure for many years," Jim Boersema, managing partner and spokesman for a group that owns the club, said in a statement.
Rick Rock, a local promoter who held events at Zanzabar on Thursdays for the past 13 years or so, said Zanzabar was a staple in Honolulu’s club scene. "I think that’s probably one of the longest runs for a nightclub (in Hawaii)," he said. "All things must come to an end."
Zanzabar opened in 1999, with decor highlighted by Egyptian statues and gold trim, in a spot that for almost a decade was home to the $6 million Maharaja Nightclub. Zanzabar’s owners took the Maharaja club and gave it a $1.4 million renovation and a new name.
Today, many facets of the club are severely worn or outdated, according to Boersema. "The club is badly in need of a major renovation if it is to remain competitive," he said, noting that sales dropped this year and created difficulties paying expenses.
Renovating again was considered, but Boersema said a new long-term lease required to justify a large investment could not be arranged with the building’s owner.
Zanzabar is the third late-night gathering spot to close at Waikiki Trade Center in the past few years. The Black Diamond nightclub closed about two years ago, followed by The Shack, a sports bar, last year. At one time, the concentration of entertainment establishments in the building staying open till 4 a.m. raised concerns from the Honolulu Police Department and Honolulu Liquor Commission due to a relatively high occurrence of fights between patrons.
The businesses worked to address the issue but could not sustain operations.
Boersema said he sincerely appreciates all of the people who worked at and visited Zanzabar over its life.
The nightclub has about 45 employees. Nearly 2.5 million customers, including major celebrities, have passed through the club’s doors, according to Boersema.
"It’s been a long run," he said. "We hope this place will remain in their memory."