Post #592230 by TikiTomD on Sat, Jun 4, 2011 10:45 AM

In January of 1959, the gossip columnist of The Milwaukee Sentinel reported that “Jerry Brooks (of the Miami Beach Luau) had a heart attack.” The Miami News observed that he was mending at the Miami Heart Institute, and in July of 1959 this same newspaper’s gossip columnist stated that he was seen at a local Italian restaurant. By 1960 the Luau was in a “faltering” condition when Sydney Mass discovered it and took over the business. Before moving on to Sydney Mass, I’d like to point out that Jerry Brooks already had quite a history of starting and acquiring night clubs before the Luau, indicated by these articles from the 1940s...

The Billboard November 27, 1943

Note the above reference to the Beachcomber and Ruby Foo’s, both explored in this TC thread...

http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=36222&forum=2&26

The Billboard November 27, 1948

Here’s a 1960 Luau ad...

The Miami News March 8, 1960

Following a second heart attack, Jerry Brooks sold his interest in the Luau to Sydney Mass...

The Miami News December 10, 1960

By 1962, Sydney Mass (aka Trader Syd or Trader Sid) is moving and shaking things up at the Luau...

The Miami News August 23, 1962

Got to keep a steady supply of “saronged maidens” at the Luau...

The Miami News June 23, 1963

Need a refreshing mint julep, Trader Sid’s just the guy to make you one...

The Miami News December 12, 1962

Here’s a nice feature article on Sidney Mass, his wife and his chef, complete with some Luau recipes...

The Miami News August 18, 1966

Careful when you argue with the chef, as he’s also a martial arts expert...

The Miami News August 25, 1965

Syd would appreciate the return of his carved octopus...

The Miami News November 22, 1966

More Luau ads from the late 1960s...

The Miami News August 28, 1968

The St Petersburg Evening Independent October 4, 1969

A talented Tahitian beauty who entertained at the Luau...

The St Petersburg Evening Independent June 12, 1968

Note the "Hawaiian Eye" connection above.

Here’s the recipe for the Luau’s Tiki Tabu...

The Miami News December 26, 1968

After 1974, the archival news on the Luau thins out and goes dark...

In May of 2008, The Miami Herald reported that Betty Ann Mass, Trader Syd’s wife of 47 years (married him in 1961), passed away at the age of 76. Apparently, Syd was alive as of that time. Hope he’s still enjoying a mint julep or planter’s punch...

-Tom