Fleshbot On the Road: MR D’z Men’s Emporium Celebrates Leather Vibes in Tampa

November 1, 2023
ALEXANDER

Meet MR D and his Men's Emporium in Tampa, Florida. Established by business partners and married couple Delon Cunningham and Michael Rivera, it serves as the newest LGBTQ club and the ONLY club celebrating the leather and alternative community in Tampa Bay. MR D'z Men's Emporium is also one of our nationwide bar partners celebrating this year's Fleshbot Awards on Wednesday, November 8th at 8 pm.

Affectionally named after the couple (MR being Michael's initials and D for Delon), they opened their doors this past Labor Day. Originally buying City Side bar, a long-standing establishment for the LGBTQ community, they added to their roster by opening MR D'z to serve as a safe space for the leather community and its activity groups after the area's previous leather-focused bar closed its doors permanently. The grand opening was a success and we are thrilled they have come into our Fleshbot family.

We caught up with the charming couple to find out more about the area and their new venture: (photos courtesy of MR D'z)

How did you two meet?

Delon: We met at a Halloween party at a country bar called Wranglers in 2005 and then we married (ceremony) in 2007 (wasn’t legal then).

What is the LGBTQ culture in Tampa like?

Mike: The LGBTQ culture has grown immensely in the Tampa Bay Area and has increased culturally since I moved here in 2000 and hope it continues to grow in the next few years.

What brought you to Tampa?

Delon: I was born and raised in South Tampa.

Mike: I moved down with an ex on a dare, not even knowing where Tampa was in FL — lol.

What do you love most about Tampa?

Delon: My family and all the amazing friends I made throughout my life here.

What inspired you to buy City Side? What was your previous experience in the bar business?

Delon & Mike: It all started when we owned several liquor stores throughout our years together here in Tampa, along with a bar service business that we enjoyed both working. It was then that we knew that eventually we wanted to look into owning an LGBTQ bar. It was by accident that we stumbled into CitySide, which we did not know was up for sale, and seized the opportunity.

You changed the theme of City Side to MR D’z…creating a more alternative experience. Why was that so important?

Mike: Having owned City Side the first year and being able to socialize with many of the patrons, we were able to realize and understand that there was a need for something different that the LGBTQ community was missing and needing, so we decided to take an opportunity and help fill that void and look into opening another bar. Dee and I brainstormed many nights with many ideas and finally concluded with MR D’z!

You have been open for a short time…how has it been going? How has the community embraced the new theme?

Mike: It has been an absolutely wonderful experience and successful opening with a community that has wholeheartedly embraced the theme. We are extremely excited and happy with MR D’z but honestly, couldn’t have done it without our general manager, Todd Kruckenberg.

What are the biggest challenges facing an LGBTQ business owner in Tampa?

Delon: We know that we cannot please everyone but there is a lot of constant targeting, shade, and drama from the community when you make changes in your business that you hope or feel will help it grow, or at least keep our doors open. It may be harder for us since we tend to walk around and develop relationships with our patrons more so than the other LGBTQ owners in the Tampa Bay Area.

What is the best drink to order at Mr D’z?

Mike & Dee: MR D’z Cum shot!!

How do you maintain a healthy marriage while working together?

Mike: I still work a full-time job, however, we do work most weekends together. We have a very good line of communication, we know what we expect from each other and the business, and trust…no jealousy.

What have you learned most about life from the other?

Delon: That you definitely need to develop a lot of patience in a relationship.

If I were to visit Tampa, what else besides the bar should someone do/visit?

Delon: Tampa offers a lot of art, culture, and wonderful places to visit like armature Works, Riverwalk, Channelside, and Ybor City.

What is your message to the Tampa LGBTQ community?

Mike: Even though we are bar owners, we do genuinely care about our community, and do our very best to be very supportive within our community. We just want to continue to offer a safe space where we can be ourselves without any hate or judgment, and we will try to do our very best to continue to keep our doors open to provide that space.

What is your message to the LGBTQ community at large?

Mike: Please support your local gay-owned and operated businesses because they are the ones that are creating an opportunity for you to continue to be yourself, not be judged, and feel safe. Stop the shade and bickering within our own communities and just love one another. We need to stick together!

OMG, check out their vending machine...we LOVE IT!