Looking for an extra ounce of wholesomeness in your life? Netflix’s Queer Eye is a good place to start. The show follows the ‘Fab Five’ — Antoni Porowski, Bobby Berk, Jonathan Van Ness, Tan France and Karamo Brown — as they set out to help a new “hero” each week by arming them with new threads, new digs, a new look and sometimes even a new outlook on life. The show is a downright joy to watch — but be warned you might shed a tear or two in the process — that makes a real impact on each hero’s life.
Best of all for us travel fanatics, you can visit several of these newly remodeled businesses and spaces post-filming. So, if you’re a Queer Eye fan, why not visit one of these four fabulous filming locations the next time you’re in town.
Stylish Pooch, Philadelphia, PA
Featured in season 5, episode 2, Stylish Pooch is a mobile-pet-grooming service run by Rahanna Gray out of the Philadelphia region. Promising to “add some swag to your wag”, at the time this episode was filmed Stylish Pooch had become … not so mobile … after Gray’s RV had fallen into disrepair. Throughout the week, we see scenes of the Fab Five working to amp up Gray’s business efforts with a brand-boosting doggy fashion show and a lesson in baking homemade dog treats hosted by Amelie’s Bark Shop, a local establishment that serves up tasty treats for furry friends. By the end of the episode, the Fab Five hooked Gray up with a new vehicle and armed her with plenty of tools to grow her business, it was paws-a-tively a success.
View this post on Instagram
P.S., since filming, Gray’s business is better than ever, here’s what she said about her experience in an interview with Refinery 29, “My dog treats are selling like hot cakes. I’ve grown so much as a person and a business owner.” In fact, business is so good that Gray opened a doggie hotel & spa in the Prospect Park neighborhood in addition to her mobile services.
Jones BBQ, Kansas City, MO
Fans of the show might recall season 3, episode 3, for its heartwarming story featuring Kansas City sisters and barbecue pitmasters, Deborah “Little” Jones and Mary “Shorty” Jones. While the duo had already mastered the art of old-style BBQ — meat cooked above an actual wood-burning barbeque pit — their early start time and strict schedules left them with no time for self-care. Of course, this was the perfect job for the Fab Five who gave both ladies a fabulous makeover and some much-needed tips on how to make more time for themselves. But, perhaps the most exciting thing to come out of the Jones sisters’ journey was a reimaged version of their restaurant Jones BBQ.
View this post on Instagram
While business is ramping up, the Jones sisters will be the first to admit that it took some time to adjust to being in the limelight. “We’re getting another pit next to the one we have to handle the overflow,” said Deborah in an interview with Black Enterprise. “It’s been incredible, we are so happy. We take pictures any time people want to take a picture.”
Kawaii Monster Cafe, Japan
In 2019, the Fab Five made their way to Tokyo, Japan for an epic Netflix mini-series. Amongst the many exciting stops that the group made, one filming location that really stands out is Kawaii Monster Cafe (Episode 3), a colorful display that offers a nod to Tokyo’s famous Harajuku culture (think bright colors and creatures akin to the wonderful world of Lisa Frank).
View this post on Instagram
Travelers interested in visiting the cafe for themselves can choose their own adventure as the theme changes from day to night. During the day, visitors can expect to see staff in cartoonish costumes as they serve colorful dishes and drinks. While at night, the cafe becomes a hot spot for luxury burlesque performances and shows hosted by local artists, designers, dancers and singers.
OMG Squee, Austin, TX
Speaking of Kawaii, the tasty creations served at Austin’s OMG Squee are nothing short of adorable. Featured in Season 6, Episode 9, OMG Squee is an Asian-inspired bakery that’s owned and operated by Sarah Lim, the Hero of this episode. Throughout the week, the Fab Five helped Lim get out of the bakery for a few days to focus on self-care, a total makeover, and of course, a total renovation of the OMG Squee storefront.
View this post on Instagram
Since being on the show, viewers have taken a shine to Lim’s cute confections and OMG Squee — and the shop’s now-iconic pink tee — regularly sells out of its most popular items. Travelers can check out the tasty treats for themselves when they visit OMG Squee in Austin's Govalle neighborhood.
About the Author
comments