Joliet Reality Show Premieres Sept. 14

A new Spike TV reality show will follow a former Joliet business owner as he and his family chase their dreams of running a casino on the island of Antigua.

“Trouble in Paradise” premieres at 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. Area residents are invited to a viewing party during the premiere at Heroes West, 1530 Commerce Lane.

Derek Brenczewski, former owner of The Department, and wife Hallie left Joliet last year to open the Majestic Isle Casino on the tropical island.

In an email to the media, Hallie said filming began last year in the Joliet and Chicago area a year ago. The show follows Brenczewski and his family and staff as they work to adjust to island life — or maybe it’s the other way around.

“I’m doing it my way — the Joliet way,” Brenczewski said in a clip from the show posted on Vimeo. “I’m bringing my Joliet crew with me ... We’re not adapting to what they’re used to. Everyone on this island needs to adapt to what Joliet is now.”

Members of the Joliet crew introduced in the promo include bouncer Matt Fazio, sister Mandie Brenczewski, bartender Liz Kelly and manager Steve Lausch.

“Viewers can expect to see their trials, tribulations, and successes as they settle into a new country on the sea and begin working toward opening day and beyond,” Hallie Brenczewski said.

The Department closed in March. Breczewski also previously ran Joliet’s Tuckaway Tavern, which closed in 2002, and was part owner of the recently shuttered McBrody’s until 2007, until he headed down to the West Indies last year. Area attorney Carmen Rossi plans to open a new eatery, Juliet’s, in the former Department location.