Elite Interviews Club Owner Barry Mullineaux

The nightclub industry is one of the most competitive industries out there, especially in New York City. With nightclubs struggling to survive, many club owners have been forced to enter and leave the industry before having the chance to make an impact.

EliteDaily briefly sat down with Chelsea nightclub owner Barry Mullineaux, one of the few owners who has managed to make an impact.

After starting off in Miami, Barry moved to New York, where he has managed to find great success. He discusses the various clubs and restaurants he has owned in the past as well as his current nightclubs: Greenhouse and W.i.P.

How did you get started with the club business ?

I started in Miami and I moved to NY 12 years ago to do a place in the Hamptons called Roccos a la playa.

How hard is it to be a successful club owner in New York City?

It's extremely difficult, there's a ton of competition.

How have you managed to survive this long in the business ?

Patience and determination are what it takes to really focus on the business and to keep it going strong.

A lot of hip hop stars, athletes and all kinds of celebrities host and attend parties at WIP and Greenhouse .. is it all down to your current network or a strong promotional team ?

It's a combination of personal relationships, along with a strong promotional team and constant networking which allows us to be able to attract all types of people to keep returning to our venues.

You've had major, major people walk in to your clubs, who was the one celebrity that came in that made you say "Wow... I can't believe he/she is here at my club".. If that's ever happened to you ?

Yes we have had a lot of major people do events at the club and I try to treat everyone equally and make them feel comfortable. I would say it was cool to have Tom Hanks at Greenhouse, only because he is such a great actor, not the type to be out at a nightclub at all.

Opening WIP around the corner from Greenhouse was a great idea.. Two clubs on the same block, two revenue streams.. How did the W.i.P project come about ? What are some of the challenges you've faced?

We basically converted a basement storage unit to our building into to W.i.P nightclub. The concept is very different than Greenhouse, so they feed off of each other as opposed to competing with each other. W.i.P is an all art-themed based venue which is always changing and evolving. The hardest challenge is filling 2 clubs in the same neighborhood 7 days a week as opposed to just 1.

Last summer as we all know, high profile hip hop artists Chris Brown, Drake and Meek Mill got into a huge fight at W.i.P, which led to greenhouse/W.i.P closing for quite sometime...what's your take on that situation ?

The situation that occured was unfortunate to all. We have continued to work and comply with the NYPD on all matters to continue operating the business in good form.

Stereo, Greenhouse, W.i.P, Via dei Mille; In terms of atmosphere, location, clientele...what club have you enjoyed owning the most ?

There are good things to say about all the projects, but if I picked one I really enjoy the most, it would have to be Greenhouse because I love being downtown and the variety of events and clientele we have experienced over the past 5 years have been great.

What future projects do you have? Any plans to renovate Greenhouse further ?

I am working on doing a new restaurant/ lounge space now as I miss having a restaurant and it will be a good complement to both of the clubs to balance them out. No plans to renovate Greenhouse as of right now, we rennovated fully last year as well, but we are exploring other locations out of state to take the Greenhouse brand to.

EliteDaily thanks you for your time, we respect your track record as a successful club owner and wish you continued success, Mr. Barry Mullineaux..

Nii Addo Quaye | Elite.