July | 2025 | Traced, Inc. Noticing the things you didn't.

Emotional Visit to Hulk Hogan’s Restaurant in Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, Florida is one of our favorite vacation spots, and this time we were especially excited to check out Hulk Hogan’s restaurant, Hogan’s Hangout. It was under construction during our last visit, so we planned ahead for this trip.

Every Monday, Hogan’s Hangout in Clearwater Beach, Florida, transforms into a lively karaoke hotspot. When Hulk Hogan is in town, he makes a special appearance, turning the night into a wrestling fan’s dream. Hosted by his son, Nick Hogan, this event is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. I attended the Cinco de Mayo karaoke night on May 5, 2025, and it was an unforgettable experience.

Little did we know, this would be Hulk Hogan’s last appearance at his restaurant and that we’d be taking some of the final photos of him in public.

Why This Visit Was So Special

As a lifelong WWF Hulk Hogan fan, watching him in the 1980s was a huge part of my childhood. This visit wasn’t just about food—it was about nostalgia, wrestling history, and the chance to see the Hulkster in person.

Planning Our Clearwater Experience

My wife suggested we buy tickets to Main Street Karaoke, and we jumped on it—securing our spot as the second group to purchase tickets. We also did some online research to learn the best way to see Hulk Hogan at his bar.

Running Into Celebrity Guests

Before heading to Hogan’s Hangout, we had a surprise encounter with Don Most (Ralph Mouth from Happy Days) in the Hilton hotel elevator. That kicked things off with a little unexpected celebrity magic.

Arriving at Hogan’s Hangout

Hulk Hogan’s restaurant in Clearwater Beach can be hit or miss if you’re hoping for a sighting. He had recently been in New York City promoting his wrestling league and restaurant, so we weren’t sure what to expect.

As we settled into our seats, we started spotting familiar faces—first, Jimmy Hart, then Hulk’s son Nick Hogan. We also noticed a recognizable local police officer who, based on social media buzz, is typically present only when Hulk Hogan is on-site.

Hulk Hogan Appears at His Clearwater Beach Bar

And then it happened—Hulk Hogan arrived with his wife. The crowd erupted. He was full of energy, looked healthy, and unlike recent NYC press appearances, he wasn’t using a cane. He engaged with fans, took photos, and brought that classic Hulk charisma to the bar.

He looked amazing. The energy was unforgettable. We were all so happy.

Stephen Colbert’s Late Show Canceled: A Look Back at Its Premiere and the End of an Era

The news hit hard: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end in May 2026, marking the close of a 33-year franchise that began with David Letterman. CBS cited “purely a financial decision” due to the challenging late-night TV landscape, not poor ratings as some speculated. As a New Yorker who witnessed the transition from Letterman to Colbert firsthand, I’m reflecting on the show’s vibrant premiere and its bittersweet finale.

My Front-Row Seat to the End of Letterman’s Era

When I worked in New York City, I was lucky enough to attend multiple tapings of The Late Show with David Letterman. I was there for the final show in 2015, rubbing elbows with celebrities who came to pay tribute to a late-night legend. After the curtains closed, I watched the crew dismantle the iconic set at the Ed Sullivan Theater.

One day, curiosity led me to the dumpster outside. Among the discarded treasures, I found a megaphone famously used by Bill Murray on the show and a quirky plush rat with painted blood—likely a prop or someone’s desk mascot. I even snagged a list of phone numbers tied to every staff member’s desk in the building. Those moments felt like holding pieces of TV history.

The Exciting Premiere of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Fast forward to September 8, 2015—the premiere of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. I was thrilled. Back then, Colbert was known for his sharp wit on The Colbert Report, before his monologues leaned heavily into political commentary. The energy outside the Ed Sullivan Theater was electric. A massive truck handed out glass bottles of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Rare Col’ Brew Cold Brew Coffee,” a quirky promotional stunt I still remember fondly.

The media frenzy was intense. I spotted Brian Stelter, then with CNN, covering the event, alongside Les Moonves, the CBS CEO who later resigned amid controversy. The buzz was undeniable—Colbert was poised to redefine late-night TV.

Why Was The Late Show Canceled?

Despite its consistent status as the #1 late-night show for nine seasons, averaging 2.4 million viewers in Q2 2025, CBS announced the cancellation as part of a broader retreat from late-night programming. The network emphasized that the decision wasn’t tied to performance or content but rather the declining economics of linear TV.

Colbert himself was blindsided, learning of the cancellation just the night before announcing it to his audience. “This is all just going away,” he told a booing crowd, expressing gratitude for his team and fans.

A Nostalgic Farewell to a Late-Night Staple

As The Late Show prepares to sign off, I’m reminded of those early days when Colbert’s humor felt fresh and the Ed Sullivan Theater buzzed with possibility. Check out these exclusive photos from the 2015 premiere, capturing the excitement of a new chapter that’s now closing.

What are your favorite Late Show moments? Share them in the comments below. For more updates on late-night TV and entertainment news, subscribe to my blog!