Super Wheels hosted its last big party, but things are looking up for the Kendall roller rink

Disco kings and queens of Kendall laced up their skates for the last time at Super Wheels Saturday night.

The iconic venue, which first opened as Hot Wheels in 1987, threw an epic End of an Era party hosted by DJ Laz, who caught his break there. Also on site were DJs Irie and Zog, who also both got their starts at the 30,000 square foot rink.

DJ Laz on the turntables during a skating party to mark the official closing at Super Wheels in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
DJ Laz on the turntables during a skating party to mark the official closing at Super Wheels in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, November 25, 2023.

Among the hundreds of guests were local rink rats who grew up with Super Wheels as their indoor playground and now have kids of their own to show them how it was done back in the day.

The crowd reacts to owner and operator of Super Wheels Tom Mitchell during a speech at a skating party to mark the official closing in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
The crowd reacts to owner and operator of Super Wheels Tom Mitchell during a speech at a skating party to mark the official closing in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, November 25, 2023.

Though a few tears were shed, the bash ended on an upbeat note. Contrary to what we’ve heard about Super Wheels, it’s not going the way of the dodo bird.

A roller-skater reacts as he goes around the rink during a skating party to mark the official closing of Super Wheels in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
A roller-skater reacts as he goes around the rink during a skating party to mark the official closing of Super Wheels in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, November 25, 2023.

Current owner Tom Mitchell confirmed to the Miami Herald that the businesspeople who bought the building back in October for $6 million, Kendall couple Gabe Colon and Pam Mostacero, will reopen the center Jan. 1, 2024.

Their new name for the joint? Miami Roller Rink.

Miami artist Rey Jaffet skates aroud the roller rink during a skating party to mark the official closing of Super Wheels in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
Miami artist Rey Jaffet skates aroud the roller rink during a skating party to mark the official closing of Super Wheels in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, November 25, 2023.

Mitchell says he will stay on for a few months to help the parents of two with the transition and consult on operations. Among the changes are a revamped snack bar, as well as new carpets and tables.

Owner and operator of Super Wheels Tom Mitchell speaks to the crowd during a skating party to mark the official closing in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
Owner and operator of Super Wheels Tom Mitchell speaks to the crowd during a skating party to mark the official closing in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, November 25, 2023.

“I’ve completed my legacy,” says the industry vet. “I’m just happy skating will stay in South Florida.”

On the soon to open facility’s website, which is already taking reservations, the new owners say they understand the nostalgia everyone feels for Super Wheels, and don’t want to tinker with the formula too much.

“’[We’re] creating a space that is safe, clean, and provides a fun skating experience for guests of all ages,” says a post on the homepage. “From kids taking their first wobbly steps...to teens looking for a welcoming hangout spot, to adults who have been skating since the ‘80s.”

Super Wheels’ official last day of sessions is Dec. 30.

A roller-skater tightens her skates next to the rink during a skating party to mark the official closing of Super Wheels in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
A roller-skater tightens her skates next to the rink during a skating party to mark the official closing of Super Wheels in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, November 25, 2023.