The History of Island Pier Club
Byron Everts Jr., great grandfather to Steve Everts, first opened the establishment as The Pier Grill in 1945. Today, Grand Opening pictures hang on the wall and can be seen by patrons and tourists alike. Many years later Byron Everts III bought the property and it's remained a bar ever since ….
Help us build a true history of the Pier Grill and Island Pier Club. Send us your stories and recollections of a history past.
About Us Now
Brian Lepo, was born on the island in 1979 and graduated Ball High School in 1997.
His entrepreneur spirit began in 6th grade when his school Jolly Rancher sales became so lucrative that he saved enough money to buy a new, larger JanSport backpack that would hold more Jolly Ranchers. Bitten by the businessman bug, Brian started Pencil Break tournaments and sold #2 pencils to class mates.
Junior year in high school Brian started a mobile DJ business called Sounds So Sweet. And at nineteen years old, Brian Lepo had bought Howard Vending out with a loan from a very supportive yet business driven family member.
Lepo stayed on the island through college commuting and in to his time at University of Houston. At some point during college Brian rented a margarita machine for a party he was having. Someone jokingly said, “Why don't you own the one of these.” So of course, Brian Lepo bought that very machine and over the next two years purchase many more margarita machines building a party rentals business offering Frozen Beverage Machines, Moonwalks, Water Slides, Obstacle Courses, Mechanical Bulls, and Dunk Tanks for rent.
Brian Lepo
All the while the young Brian Lepo ran the service side of Ace Music Coin-op Company. After fifteen years, he bought our business partner Steve Everts in 2015.
In late May 2010 ,Marie Hayer former owner of the Albatross and coin-op customer of Ace Music Co mentioned retiring and selling her business. A month-and-a-half later BOI Entertainment LLC was formed and purchased the Albatross.
Three years later, a little property on the corner of 17th and O came available for rent. From the second Brian walked in the door, he could feel the history of the place, the Island Pier Club “A Five-Star Dive Bar” was born. (For a complete history of the Island Pier Club, click here)
Brian Lepo still lives on the island and says he can't imagine living anywhere else.
1702 Avenue O, Galveston TX 77550 | Open from12pm to 2am
WHERE THE
LOCALS GO
A FIVE-STAR DIVE BAR
