The Stanza

Gary Vee & David Rodolitz

Mar 18, 2025

Gary Vaynerchuk is a serial entrepreneur and media mogul, while David Rodolitz is a veteran in NYC hospitality and co-founder of the VCR Group. They explore the future of fine dining, discussing the groundbreaking NFT membership model at their Flyfish Club. The duo dives into the evolving landscape of private members clubs and social dining, blending culinary excellence with innovative technology. They also tackle the challenge of negative feedback in the restaurant industry and the role of AI in redefining dining experiences, ensuring a unique conversation filled with insights.

56:17

Creator website

Episode guests

David Rodolitz

Gary Vaynerchuck

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Implementing a strong CRM system is crucial for enhancing member experiences in hospitality by personalizing interactions and encouraging repeat visits.

The Flyfish Club pioneers the fine dining sector by integrating blockchain technology with traditional membership options, adapting to evolving market preferences.

Collaboration among VCR Group's founders leverages diverse skills to navigate challenges and foster innovative concepts in a rapidly evolving hospitality industry.

Deep dives

The Importance of CRM in Membership-Based Hospitality

A great CRM system is essential for membership-based hospitality businesses to enhance the member experience. It allows staff to recognize members and understand their preferences, thus making visits feel personalized and welcoming. Features such as streamlined check-in processes and knowledge of member likes contribute to a seamless hospitality experience, encouraging repeat visits. Tools like Peoplevine exemplify how effective CRM solutions can enhance the operational efficiency and appeal of clubs and memberships.

Intro

2min

Innovating Dining: The NFT Membership Concept

30min

The Importance of Culinary Excellence and Membership Models in Restaurant Success

2min

Exploring Social Dining Habits in Urban Environments

5min

Navigating Negative Feedback in the Restaurant Business

8min

AI and the Future of Culinary Arts

6min

Passion and Strategy in Hospitality Investment

3min

Thank you Peoplevine for sponsoring this episode. Peoplevine is trusted by the best brands in the members club business. Book a free demo to see why at peoplevine.com.

Today's guests are David Rodolitz and Gary Vaynerchuk, co-founders of VCR Group, a hospitality company operating concepts such as Flyfish Club, Ito, and Little Maven in New York and Las Vegas. Flyfish Club, which opened in September 2024, is the world's first blockchain-based members club focused on fine dining. In this conversation, we dove into the details of what it's like to build a hospitality group in one of the most competitive markets in the world (NYC). What I enjoyed most about this conversation is their forward-thinking perspectives when it comes to hospitality, especially in the fine dining space. We also talked in depth about the private members club landscape in New York and entering the space as a young hospitality group.

Gary Vaynerchuk, AKA Gary Vee, is a serial entrepreneur and leads VaynerMedia, VaynerX, and VCR Group. In 2014, Gary co-founded Resy and sold it to American Express in 2019 and is also an early investor in notable companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Uber, Coinbase, Slack, and more.

David Rodolitz is a NYC hospitality veteran and a co-founder of VCR Group. Prior to founding VCR Group, David was a founding partner of Empellon, a group of restaurants in NYC.

To learn more about VCR Group's restaurants, click here

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Interview Highlights: