RICHIE ROMERO: THE MODERN RINGMASTER OF THE NIGHT
It’s always been the case that New York City nightlife sets the template for the rest of the world. People from all over the globe used to come to New York City just for the nightlife. It happens here first, and then the rest of the world follows.
That is since the ’70s, when Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager opened a nightclub called Studio 54. As the impresarios, they set the template and the still-unequalled ideal of utter glamour and escapism of a night out on the town.
Since the international sensation and still constant mythologizing of Studio 54, other Manhattan impresarios of the night have gone on to wield global influence on the zeitgeist of the night. The fact is, the original Pasha of the Party, Ian Schrager, still remains the most global influential player in the nightlife/hospitality space. Without him, there would be no Peter Gatien, Peter Stringfellow, Steve Lewis, Noel Ashman, Noah Tepperburg, Richie Akiva, or Scott Sartiano, who from the 1980s through today have all been acknowledged ringmasters of the night. They have dictated the evolution of the night.
Now, in the post-pandemic era, there is a new ringmaster, and his name is Richie Romero.
GW: Tell us about Nebula and the concept behind New York’s hottest mega-club, where even the VIP toilet seats are heated!
RR: My partner, Yang Gao, conceptualized the Nebula brand. His amazing vision intrigued me, and I wanted to help him bring it to fruition. Nebula is an immersive experience that is unparalleled compared to clubs in Manhattan. The state-of-the-art lights, sound, and moving LED ceiling panels project moving images across the entire room, giving the audience a moment of suspended reality. It’s just incredible. The combination of technology allows it to be a hybrid dance club with high-end table service. The venue is further elevated as the best event space because it can adapt to any event scenario. And yes, the toilets are fabulous.
GW: Tell us your age, zodiac sign, and early provenance growing up in NYC.
RR: I’m forty-six years young. My sign is Scorpio. Born on the Lower East Side and raised as a Queen’s kid. Growing up in the outer boroughs, there wasn’t much to do, so I found entertainment by throwing house parties and park raves. I broke into local McDonald’s playgrounds with kegs of beer and boomboxes and charged admissions for entrance to the Mickey D’s during the late ’80s. It was a different time back then. Nowadays, ninety percent of the things we did, we wouldn’t be able to get away with.
GW: You’ve had your fingerprints all over all the most famous nightclubs in New York City for the last 30 years and were mentored by all the legends from Peter Gatien to Steve Lewis to Noel Ashman. Define NYC nightlife in the 21st Century and the keys to creating a successful club in 2023.
RR: In the 21st century, the nightlife industry relies heavily on booking talent and technology, which means even more strategizing to entertain audiences. Programming the right talent, such as DJs and performances, has a ripple effect on bringing the right human capital into the team and venue. To make something successful in 2023, you need to plan your actions, and goals must align to the brand story. Most importantly, you need the balance of the right crowd ecosystems to also create your corporate and event side.
GW: What in your mind is the most iconic NYC nightclub after Studio 54? And why?
RR: Limelight. I started at Limelight as a promoter in my teens. The venue was a former church turned into a nightclub. I still get goosebumps from the vibes and energy from the venue every time I set foot inside. Peter Gatien was a genius. He created so many different crowd ecosystems and team promoters. Limelight was packed every night with people from every walk of life, diversity, look, and gender. It didn’t matter who you were. Limelight was truly the melting pot.
GW: What is the most memorable celebrity club scandal you’ve ever witnessed.
RR: Best celebrity scandal I witnessed was during my time working alongside Noel Ashman at Plumm. Axel Rose was performing on stage, and suddenly Tommy Hilfiger and Axel Rose started brawling out of nowhere, right there on the stage. It was unbelievable.
GW: That’s the most hysterical story because one of GW’s most scandalous celebrity club moments I ever witnessed was also at Plum! I remember opening the door to the private bathroom next to Noel Ashman’s office, and there was Mr. Big himself (Chris Noth) with some chick on her knees, slobbering all over his dong. He turned around and said, “Oh, it’s only George,” as he slammed the door. GW was squealing, “I want to join in?” Plum was definitely a favorite, along with Cafe Tabac, where GW witnessed the most scandalous celebrity moments ever. But that sus will be saved for GW’s third book and current work in progress: THE R.O.M.E. CHRONICLES.
RR: You have the best stories, GW!
GW: With your 25 years in the hospitality and marketing brand, Richie Romero has never been more prolific. Talk about your various other brands and businesses, such as your Zazzy’s Pizza and your hand-rolled sushi joint loved by the NYU kids in the East Village.
RR: I love creating brands and working on multiple projects. My passion for synergy (working with others), strategy, and programming led me to establish other businesses in the restaurant industry. Coming Soon Food Group was founded by my partner, Jon Gabel, and me. It’s all about programming and building the brand. Right now I have three Zazzy’s in Manhattan, and we just opened one across from the Wynwood Walls in Miami. Internationally, we have a Zazzy’s in Cartagena, Colombia, and will be opening in Bali, Indonesia, in December.
GW: Zazzy’s has the best gluten-free pizza in the world, people! And thank you, Richie Romero. GW truly adores you.
