Published on: August 19, 2025, 12:03h.
Updated on: August 19, 2025, 12:03h.
- Tradewinds Universal partners with Peppermint Hippo to potentially launch a publicly traded adult entertainment brand
- Peppermint Hippo operates two upscale gentlemen’s clubs in Las Vegas
In an innovative agreement presenting potential opportunities for public investment in the cabaret sector, Tradewinds Universal, Inc. (OTCID: TRWD) announced today that it has signed a letter of intent with Peppermint Hippo to establish a division dedicated to “premier nightlife and hospitality venues” across the United States.
The arrangement may involve acquiring up to eight adult entertainment establishments, one of which operates under the Peppermint Hippo brand in Las Vegas. Tradewinds is set to obtain the Peppermint Hippo location in Toledo, Ohio, marking the beginning of a potential series of acquisitions.
“This new division taps into the extensive $36 billion-$39 billion U.S. bar and nightclub market while carving out a unique space within the more niche, yet high-margin, gentlemen’s club sector, estimated at $8 billion annually,” stated Tradewinds.
The Las Vegas Peppermint Hippo, which opened its doors in July 2019, is conveniently situated near Resorts World at the northern end of the Strip, close to both Wynn and Encore hotels.
Peppermint Hippo: Gauging Market Interest in Strip Club Stocks
This collaboration between Tradewinds and Peppermint Hippo aims to explore investor interest in shares of gentlemen’s club businesses, a market that has traditionally been represented by just one entity: RCI Hospitality Holdings (NASDAQ: RICK), popularly known as Rick’s Cabaret.
Rick’s has explored opportunities within the casino sector and is currently a small cap stock that has seen a 36.16% decline this year. Many attribute this downturn more to shifting consumer spending patterns than fundamental business issues. Notably, recent data shows that company insiders have been acquiring the stock, which has consistently paid dividends for the past 38 quarters.
Tradewinds acknowledges the historical challenges faced by cabaret operators in accessing public markets due to strict regulations and inconsistent accounting practices. However, the company aims to address these challenges by adhering to Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) standards.
“By implementing a PCAOB-audited, SEC-reporting framework for these acquisitions, TRWD, in conjunction with Peppermint Hippo, intends to enhance financial transparency and create one of the only publicly traded platforms within this niche,” the company explained.
Peppermint Hippo’s Connection to Gaming
While indirect, Peppermint Hippo has connections to the casino gaming sector due to its locations. In addition to the flagship site on the Las Vegas Strip, the company manages Las Toxícas, a Latin-themed adult venue, along with another Peppermint Hippo location in Reno, a key area for Northern Nevada’s casino industry.
Tradewinds, primarily a holding company focused on health and wellness, believes that the growing social acceptance of once-taboo activities, along with the economic resilience of cabaret businesses, could attract potential investors. Notably, companies like Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ: CZR), DraftKings (NASDAQ: DKNG), and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) were highlighted in the announcement.
“These entities illustrate the increasing investor interest in sectors that were previously deemed unconventional, yet now present opportunities for scale, steady revenue streams, and strong consumer demand,” concluded Tradewinds.