When it comes to the nightlife and entertainment industry, things have taken a bit of a pause as of late due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but now that things are looking up, the industry is ready to come back in full-swing.
Take a look at our list down below at the top-8 players in the nightlife industry to learn more about who you can expect to set the pace for the recovery of this energy-packed and adrenaline-pumping industry.
David Grutman
David has a knack for blending distinct atmospheres and high energy in a single setting, which has accumulated in a one-of-a-kind portfolio that includes bars, restaurants, hotelsand nightclubs today. Born and raised in Florida, where he resides today, David and his firm Groot Hospitality oversees some of the biggest names in Miami: LIV, Komodo, Swan, Bar Bevy, and Papi Steak. The sites are internationally recognized for their hospitality, allure, and service, giving rise to the popularity of Miami today.
David is perhaps most well-known for opening the nightclub LIV at the Fontainebleau hotel in Miami Beach, FL, following widespread acclaim for his prior work at the Miami Marketing Group. LIV is an 18,000-square-foot venue that remains one of the highest grossing nightclubs in the entire United States. Furthermore, David just recently partnered with singerPharrell Williams to create The Goodtime Hotel in Miami Beach.
Armand Peri
Armand is regarded as one of the forefathers of nightlife entertainment in New York City, as well as an entrepreneur who is not afraid to challenge the norm in the world of nightlife. As the former owner of ‘Show’ and Star Nightclub in New York City, which brought in some of the biggest celebrity names of the time, Armand took his experience and went onto launch Hunk-O-Mania: the world’s most famous male revue show. He just recently signed a partnership to provide nightlife entertainment to New York City’s largest rooftop nightclub “Harbor” which will include his world-famous Hunk-O-Mania Show and his star-studded casted “Diva Royale” drag show.
Among Armand’s portfolio that has included 30 male revue nightclubs for women, in some of the most recognizable cities around the world, Armand’s timeless brand continues to dominate the San Francisco, Miami, Las Vegas, Boston, Philadelphia, Nashville, Scottsdale, Chicago, LA, and of course, NYC markets. Despite the pandemic and changes to the industry over the last 16-months, Armand’s brands have remained successful and steadfast, a testament to his business acumen and ability to think quickly.
Grant Achatz
If you’re not familiar with Grant, you should be. Chef Grant Achatz is the co-owner of The Alinea Group, which is a hospitality firm focused on innovating in the nightlife industry. Most recently, Grant was instrumental in developing two exciting projects right in the heart of Chicago. His history dates back to The Aviary in New York City, along with his old restaurant in Chicago, Alinea. Today, Grant is intent on bringing two amazing destinations to life in Chicago’s downtown – a delicious restaurant and a dinner club/music venue.
Richie Akiva
Richie Akiva is someone who truly epitomizes just what it means to be a hustler – especially a New York City hustler. With that in mind, Richie has continued to make a name for himself in the nightlife and entertainment industry since his early days back in 2008. Today, Richie remains poised to work with some of the biggest names in show business, giving pop stars and musicians a stage to own.
Jose Andres
Jose Andres is one of the most important people to keep in mind when looking at the nightlife industry because he built a name for himself as someone who gives back just ass much as he puts in – if not more. Sure, his flashy hotel restaurants have been called some of the most luxurious in the world, but he is just as focused on doing more to support the greater good. For instance, in 2018 when Puerto Rico and Haiti were hit by Hurricane Maria, he worked to feed more than 3.5 million people.
Calvin Harris
Everyone knows Calvin Harris – or at least you know his music. Calvin Harris is one of the most influential DJs to ever live, and he certainly made a name for himself in the 2010s as an integral figure to the nightlife industry. In fact, he’s also one of the highest paid DJs of all time. He has headlined numerous festivals around the world, performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, and has wowed crowds from Las Vegas to London.
Noah Tepperbergand Jason Strauss
Lastly, Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strausshave been involved in the nightlife industry since the early 2000s, when they co-opened one of NYC’s hottest nightclubs “Marquee” just a few blocks from the famous Madison Square Garden. Since 2003, Tepperberg and Strauss have continued to grow in their roles and influence in the industry. Today, their company, Tao Group, is owned by MSG, which means that they have every opportunity under the sun to become a household name in the nightlife industry today, tomorrow, and well into the future.
