Joliet Takes on the Tropics: Local Business Owner's Antigua Adventure Coming to a TV Near You

It was a cold day in February 2013 when Derek Brenczewski decided to trade the slush and snow of Joliet for a sunnier climate.

A lifelong Joliet resident and local business owner, Brenczewski and his family — including wife Hallie and their two young sons — took a leap of faith, moving to the island of Antigua, where Derek and Hallie took over the Majestic Isle Casino.

On Sunday, a reality show about the family’s adventures as they and their ”Joliet crew” left Chicagoland for sunny Antigua premieres. “Trouble in Paradise” airs at 9 p.m. on Spike TV.

• Joliet Reality Show Premieres Sept. 14

It was the day after the 2013 Super Bowl when Brenczewski said he got a call from a Chicago-area attorney with an unusual offer: Move to Antigua, and take over a casino.

“I didn’t know anything about running a casino,” Brenczewski said. He’d worked as a craps dealer and pit boss in the early days of the Empress Casino, and was the owner of Joliet’s Tuckaway Tavern and The Department restaurants. Brenczewski was also a partner in downtown Joliet’s McBrody’s, which closed last month.

Brenczewski said he wrestled with the decision. His son had just made a local hockey team, and his family’s roots in Joliet are strong.

He met with wife Hallie at Louis’s Family Restaurant to tell her about the offer.

“She literally put her head in her hands and started crying,” Brenczewski said. He said he braced himself for her to say no — but she surprised him. “She looked up and it was tears of joy,” he said.

The road to opening the casino, situated on the island in the West Indies, wasn’t an easy one. The Brenczewskis knew they’d need help. They sat the staff of The Department down and told them their plans, and what would go into making the big move for those who wanted to go along for the ride.

Of the 45 or so staffers who attended the meeting, Brenczewski said nine ultimately decided to go to Antigua and work at making the casino success.

Adjusting to island time was no easy feat after leaving fast-paced Chicagoland, according to Brenczewski.

“Antigua really is paradise,” he said. “You wake up every morning to that. It doesn’t stray over 12 degrees here.”

But, he said, “You can’t change Antigua — I’ve learned to slow down the pace.”

It’s not all fun in the sun, however.

“We told everyone, it’s going to be a lot of work,” Breczewski said. The Majestic Isle opened its doors Dec. 18, 2013.

‘Trouble in Paradise’

At the same time he was making plans to leave Joliet, Brenczewski said he was contacted by producers of a documentary/reality show looking to film in Joliet or Chicago. The producers initially wanted his advice dealing with local governments, but changed course when they learned of his new business venture.

They took the story to producers, who loved it.

The film crew followed Brenczewski to Antigua, where shooting began, wrapping up early this year.

“It’s just been a phenomenal, awesome experience for all of us,” he said.

A viewing party is set for 9 p.m. Sunday at Heroes West, 1530 Commerce Lane.

Brenczewski said he thinks Joliet residents will appreciate seeing their city on the show.

“When you see the show, you’ll love it, “ Brenczewski said.

The family has yet to see the first episode of “Trouble in Paradise.”

“I have no idea what’s going to happen yet,” Brenczewski said.

While the Brenczewskis won’t be at the Heroes West event, other “Trouble in Paradise” cast members, including sister Mandie Brenczewski, bartender Liz Kelly and security guard Matt Fazio, will make appearances, he said.

Coming soon: A new downtown Joliet venture

Derek and Hallie won’t be back in town for the Sept. 14 premiere — they’ll be back in Antigua hosting a screening for local officials — but Derek said he plans to visit Joliet in the next few weeks for a new venture at one of his former stomping grounds.

Brenczewski said he’s in the final stages of negotiations with a new pub franchise to put a location in the former McBrody’s spot, 73 W. Jefferson St. in downtown Joliet.

Brenczewski, who still owns the building, said he can’t reveal the name of the pub just yet, but it could open soon.

“If everything goes well, the goal is to open up by Christmas” or the Super Bowl at the latest, he said.