The Vault: Where History Meets Gastronomy
The historic bank building in Old Town is getting a new lease on life as construction advances on The Vault, a 1920’s style restaurant promising a unique dining experience. The building, steeped in local lore, was once the target of a daring heist by the infamous Ashley Gang.
John Ashley, known as the “swamp bandit” led the notorious criminal outfit operating in South Florida during the early 20th century. Despite a long rap sheet which included murder and moonshining, John had a tremendous following among Florida crackers who looked at him as a Robin Hood-style character who provided money and food to those in need.
Known for hiding out in the Everglades, it has been reported that the gang, which also included his family members, robbed over 40 banks between 1915 and 1924, raking in over $1 million. Part of that haul occurred when they robbed the Bank of Pompano in September 1924. Armed with rifles and pistols, they stormed the bank, terrorizing employees and making off with thousands in cash and bonds. The brazen heist sent shockwaves through the community, but as it turned out, their days would be numbered. Thanks to a tip by a rumored insider, possibly John’s disgruntled brother-in-law, the gang was killed by law enforcement in Fort Pierce that November. Their demise was major news, but since the Ashley Gang had survived so many close calls, the public was skeptical they were dead. To prove the bandits were indeed gone, all four corpses were carried outside and displayed on the sidewalk in front of the mortuary!
The Bank of Pompano, forever part of the Ashley Gang legend, closed during the Great Depression, however, the bank’s vault was preserved by the Pompano Beach Historical Society. The 3-foot-tall structure is now being gifted back to the restaurant owner, Jessica Spill-Chaples to enhance the venue’s ambiance.
As The Vault restaurant prepares for a late 2024 launch, the building's storied past will undoubtedly add an extra layer of intrigue to the dining experience, inviting patrons to step back in time while indulging in contemporary cuisine that will feature a melting pot of flavors and influences including Italian, Asian and classic American dishes.
“This building is a living testament to our city’s rich history and our commitment to thoughtful redevelopment,” said Pompano Beach CRA Director Nguyen Tran. “Just like the Bailey Hotel’s transformation into a vibrant art center, this over-century-old structure will be reborn as a modern culinary destination offering guests a unique glimpse into Florida’s colorful past."
