Bay Curious The Girl in the Fishbowl at Bimbo's 365 Club
Nov 13, 2025
Bianca Taylor, a KQED reporter, dives into the quirky history of Bimbo's 365 Club and its most famous act, Dolphina, while Michael Cherchiai, the club’s current owner and grandson of its founder, shares captivating memories. They discuss how Dolphina, a 6-inch illusion created as a publicity stunt in 1931, has intrigued audiences for decades. Notable performers and the act's evolution are covered, alongside reflections on its cultural significance and the empowerment felt by the women behind the fishbowl. It's a colorful journey through entertainment history!
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Club As Timeless Theatrical Brand
- Bimbo's 365 Club cultivated a timeless, theatrical atmosphere that evokes Rat Pack–era glamour.
- The club's imagery of a naked woman on a fish became its enduring visual identity.
Bimbo's Immigrant Showman Origin
- Augusto 'Bimbo' Giuntoli immigrated from Tuscany and built the club into a local institution starting in 1931.
- He used publicity stunts and showmanship to make Bimbo's a San Francisco landmark.
Dolfina As A Clever Sales Gimmick
- The Girl in the Fishbowl was created as a publicity gimmick to draw bar traffic and boost drink sales.
- Bimbo collaborated with a magician to design the spectacle and make it a signature attraction.