Bobby Lukic opened the Anger Management Rage Room in south Fort Myers five years ago, as anger rooms were starting to pop up across the country. Five years later, this trend appears to be here to stay, and Lukic is exploring new ways to further improve his business model.
In Rage Room, customers pay for their time to destroy objects in a room, knowing that they don't have to clean up the room and can destroy the room in a safe manner.
Lukic is exploring adding a new element to his business: alcohol. He plans to relocate from his current location at 9541 Cypress Lake Drive, Unit 6. He wants to add bottled beer and wine to the mix, with the idea that customers drink Rage His Room before, rather than after, his sessions.
Customers must sign a consent form before participating, and all participants are required to wear a helmet, visor, gloves, and safety jacket, and other safety measures are in place.
The lobby is full of glass, plates, pottery, and a TV that was thrown away to be broken. We also recommend that you bring your own items. Once you enter the room, you will find various tools that can be used for destruction, including hammers, mallets, golf clubs, and metal rods.
“It's a full-time job, just going out and finding breakables,” Lukic said. “A lot of people think I'm just rummaging through people's trash cans. And I did that for a while. Then one day I found a baby's diaper in there. And I went to the car. I’m throwing up with my hands out of it.”
Lukic has decided never to scour trash cans or garage sales again. He said he buys most of his fragile items from charity-affiliated thrift stores. He previously purchased most of his merchandise from Goodwill, which was a win-win situation for both his business and the nonprofit.
These days, he buys most of his items from Teen Challenge Super Thrift, with proceeds going to causes that fight addiction.
“Donating to charity also makes people feel better,” Lukic said. “It helps philanthropy. It helps us. It takes off like crazy. I would have thought my business would go under because of COVID. Instead, it takes off like crazy. It went well.”
It is said that many divorce parties are held in the Anger Management Rage Room.
“We're going to get everything that belongs to their ex-husband and collect everything that belongs to them,” Lukic said. Once the video cameras recorded, customers would ransack the room and later post the video online, he said.
Lukic said he has had a handshake deal with Cooper's Hawk Winery in Naples for more than a year, which has given him a steady supply of empty wine bottles each week. Lukic took the bottle back to the anger room for future demolition. When Cooper's Hawk recently changed hands, the handshake agreement ended and the restaurant cut him off from the bottle.
Lukic said he drives 60 to 70 miles each week and produces 30,000 to 40,000 bottles a year.
“If you open your own bar, you can literally turn your garbage into your own business,” Lukic said. “How many companies can say they take trash home and turn it into inventory?”
Anger Management Rage Room prices start at $40 per person for 30 minutes. Lukic said he encourages holding corporate events there.
Lukic also competes with Just One of the Days Rage Room, located at 1944 Winkler Ave. in Fort Myers.
Lauri Yakubov, who manages Lukic's Rage Room, said she is looking forward to the eventual move and plans to serve as bartender and host at the establishment.
“First we have to find a suitable location,” Yakubov said. “It would be best if there was a cement wall between him and his neighbor, something that would provide some soundproofing. But really, he probably has two rags in his room, with a nice living area and beer and wine.” All you have to do is find a space that is large enough to accommodate both.
Anyone over the age of 12 can participate.
“I’m going to catch everyone,” she said. “I've seen grandchildren come with their grandparents. I've seen lots of families, co-workers, dates, birthday parties.
“It's great, because people who come here, even if they're upset about something, they leave satisfied.”
