The Stanza

Today's guest is Eugene Remm, who co-founded Catch Hospitality Group in 2011. Eugene has opened Catch locations in 7 different markets throughout the U.S. and most recently, The Corner Store in New York, which has been a big success. Eugene started his hospitality career in the New York nightlife business in the 2000's, launching hit concepts such as Tenjune and SL, before pivoting to large format restaurants post 2008. Following this defining moment in his career, Eugene doubled down on the Catch concept and took a bold step forward by launching the LA location. In 2017, upon the success of Catch LA, Tilman Fertitta became a partner in Catch Hospitality Group. In this interview, we chatted about Eugene's background as a Russian immigrant and his attitude towards entrepreneurship, and building longevity in hospitality through the humility to learn from mistakes and relentlessly evolving the guest experience.Thank you Peoplevine for making this podcast possible. Peoplevine is trusted by the best brands in the members club business. Book a free demo to see why at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠peoplevine.com.⁠ ⁠⁠Interview Highlights:The American Dream and entrepreneurshipOpening hit nightclubs in NYC in the 2000'sPivoting to large format restaurants post 2008How Eugene convinced Tilman Fertitta to join Catch as a partnerLongevity in hospitalityEconomics of a small format NYC restaurantFollow Eugene on InstagramLearn more about Catch Hospitality GroupFollow The Stanza on ⁠Instagram⁠Subscribe to The Stanza on ⁠Substack

Jeff Klein, a seasoned hotelier known for transforming iconic properties like the Sunset Tower Hotel and San Vicente Bungalows, shares his remarkable journey from bellman to industry leader. He discusses the art of repositioning overlooked real estate and crafting luxurious spaces that prioritize privacy for high-profile clientele. Klein also highlights the emotional stakes in hospitality, focusing on how unique experiences can evoke powerful feelings in guests. His insights on partnerships and intentional design offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Dasha Zhukova Niarchos is the founder of Ray, a residential lifestyle brand and real estate development company that builds art-forward residences. Ray's inaugural building in Philly's Fishtown neighborhood comprises 110 residential units and several amenities geared towards creatives and art & design lovers, such as artist studios, co-working space, a gym, a community kitchen, a green roof deck, a lobby living room and an independent art bookstore. One of the best perks of living at Ray is the cultural programming for residents, which includes art classes, gallery openings, and other social activities. The launch of the Philly building was a success, completing lease up in 8 months and proving the thesis that renters want to live in beautifully designed spaces that enhance their everyday experience. Ray's next building in Harlem is designed by Frida Escobedo and includes a new home for the National Black Theatre. The building comprises 222 mixed-income units, a similar suite of amenities, and stunning views of New York from its rooftop terrace.Prior to founding Ray, Dasha founded the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Moscow in 2008. The Museum was designed by Rem Koolhaas and is Russia's first and only contemporary art archive. In 2011, she founded Garage Magazine, which she sold and bought back from Vice Magazine. Dasha is also a co-founder of Artsy, a digital art marketplace and discovery platform. She also serves on the board of several organizations and companies, such as the LA County Museum of Art, Soho House, The Met, and more.In this interview, we dove into the business of combining art, design, and real estate development into a cohesive lifestyle brand. I'm excited about Ray because I believe that branded real estate will be a big consumer trend, and I also like the way that Dasha is executing her vision with thoughtfulness and attention to detail.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.⁠ Thank you to the team at NeueHouse for supporting The Stanza. NeueHouse is the premier work space in NYC and LA for those in the creative industries. Use code ⁠⁠THESTANZA⁠ ⁠for a special offer when applying for your membership.Interview Highlights:How can good design foster community and address the loneliness epidemic?Ray’s approach to structuring partnerships with real estate developersPlacemaking in emerging neighborhoodsParameters for choosing the right architectInsights from Dasha’s experience in the art world that she brings to RayThe impact of art on mental healthThoughts on the future of the built environment in urban citiesConnect with Dasha ⁠here⁠.Follow Ray here.Follow The Stanza ⁠here⁠.Subscribe to the newsletter ⁠here⁠.

Noah Tepperberg, co-founder of Tao Group Hospitality, has over 30 years' experience in the industry, launching iconic venues like Marquee and Lavo. He dives into the key elements that make a venue successful, from strategic real estate decisions to the importance of disciplined partnerships. Noah shares his transformative journey from a summer job to a global hospitality leader and discusses the complexities of international expansion. He emphasizes the significance of quality over quantity in growth and offers invaluable advice for aspiring hospitality entrepreneurs.

Gaetano Guarducci, part of the Sant Ambroeus Hospitality Group co-founded by his father, shares insights from the restaurant world. He discusses how they blend Milanese tradition with modern trends and the importance of maintaining brand integrity. Gaetano reveals their strategies for navigating economic downturns while opening new restaurants at a rapid pace. He also highlights the significant influence of fashion collaborations on their brand and the challenges and successes involved in transforming a historic establishment into a modern dining experience.

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.

Jamie Caring, founder of Sevengage Consultancy, shares insights on building iconic hospitality brands. He discusses strategies for launching and scaling businesses, psychology of members clubs, and the evolution of Soho House. Topics include member retention, special touches in hospitality, lifestyle brand expansion, and challenges in the industry.

Explore the world of exclusive memberships in hospitality with insights on structuring effective programs and the psychology behind exclusivity. Hear about trends in the industry, privacy in LA vs spontaneity in NYC, and advice for operators of members clubs. Dive into the behind-the-scenes of creating memorable experiences and the future of the industry.

The podcast delves into pitching to high-end hospitality clients and designing a CRM based on personal guest experience. It explores views on private dining clubs like ZZ's and the future of members clubs. Also discussed are loyalty programs in luxury hospitality and the expansion into the UK market.