Alex Lupekha left Ukraine searching for opportunity. He traveled all over Mexico, Canada and the USA, but it was not until he came to Oregon that he felt something special. “When I come to this place I knew it was right, it spoke to me,” he said.

In a heavy Ukrainian accent, Alex echoes a voice that many people use when describing the Pacific Northwest. The rain keeps things fresh and clean and the temperature is never too hot nor cold. The mountains, the rivers and the green foliage all make for a convivial allure that can provide mental clarity.

Always business driven, Alex decided to open up a restaurant and nightclub called H2O. He was not new to the industry, having operated a thriving cowboy saloon in Spokane, Wash. for over five years. H20 was to be something completely different-upscale and classy. It was his calling, his new project of passion in the land that had beckoned him. He hired designers, but when they could not complete the work, he stepped in himself, sawing, cutting, cleaning and scrubbing.

On opening night, patrons lined up around the block to see what was rumored to be a club like no other. Indeed, they were treated to multiple stylish amenities, such as the several 9-foot tall sheets of stainless steel, artfully etched, with cool cascading waterfalls. Even more spectacular was the huge 500 gallon fish tank that held small sharks.

The bar itself has an exquisite curb appeal with hardwood floors throughout that add a touch of wealth.The VIP area looks inviting with its velvet and vinyl couches, and long, romantic, gauzy drapes framing them. A glass coffee table that encases a small alligator continued the exotic theme.

A grand piano nestled into the corner had a pianist performing, and from time to time, a violinist would join in with a passionate sonata from one of the classical European composers. The place showed the love it had been given. Alex told it this way: “When I opened H20, I put all my heart, efforts and soul into this place, so I feel that I am doing what I was called to do.”

It was all systems go towards happy ever after. Until... Well it wouldn’t be life without a little salt now would it. The salt for H2O came one late night when just down the street an unfortunate fight led to bloodshed. A stray bullet ricocheted from a block away, hitting an unaffiliated homeless man. Police were called and somehow the media got wind of it and quickly branded it an incident stemming from H2O, even though several other bars were in the area. The talk around the area was that it was gang-related and that those involved were going to H2O because of the hip-hop music they played. The Oregon Liquor Control Commissioned (OLCC) smelled blood, as it so often does, around clubs that play hip-hop.

The OLCC preceded into their --change your format, change your crowd or we will make things very difficult for you-- mode. Alex’s dream was turning into a nightmare. “It was not even related to our club, the media turned everything around," he said. "The police later came to me and said that it had nothing to do with me and that they were so sorry for the damage to our reputation, but by that time it was too late. Our customers had been scared away and the OLCC were giving me such a hard time.” 

Some of Alex’s friends and family told him he should sell the place and walk away, telling him it was not worth it anymore. However, Alex chose to exercise one of the keys to his formula for success. “Never give up,” Alex stated.  It was not the first time that he has faced disaster.

Alex lived only 30 miles from Chernobyl when the world's worst nuclear power accident happened in 1996. “I was fishing with my friend...and he said to me, ‘look at this, the sun is coming so early,’" said Alex.  He also said that he and his family had to hear from the BBC that the reactor had blown up.  "Our country, they told us nothing." His uncle died as a result of that accident, an example of how living through that time in history gave Alex the courage to embrace life’s challenges

It has been several months since the shooting incident and his patrons are trickling back in. Between his trusted and loyal manager Mitchell Howard and himself, they have worked nonstop on marketing their dream back to the top, sharing this advice to those looking to get into the nightclub business: “Research what you want to do to make sure you know what you are doing. Always be ready for surprises. If you have the right manger it will be OK, otherwise you are in trouble. Also, you should be free from alcohol, and finally, you should be single.” He laughs at his hindsight because he is married and his wife and two daughters are supportive of his efforts, but it tugs at his heart that he must dedicate so much time to the restaurant leaving less for them. To drive home the message of love for them, Alex can't help but grin and state that his proudest moment in the last year was that he is still married to his wife.

To follow Alex’s dream in progress you can visit him at H2O located at 204 SW Yamhill in Portland, Oregon. Alternatively, to learn more about the place simply call 503-228-3068 or log on to H2Oportland.com

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This article was originally published in Flossin Magazine. This article is edited by Edna Waters. This article is optimized for web by Steven Christian (Artist | Author | Podcaster).