The nightclub industry is one of the most promising in the market. Still, it is also one of the most unbreachable, with several successful establishments making it difficult for anyone who wants to have a go at it. With everything conceptualized and done, the greatest challenge is to develop innovative concepts to help get their establishment running. Gino LoPinto is among the exceptional figures in the nightclub scene, and he established E11EVEN MIAMI, an innovative venue. Today, he sat down with us to discuss his journey.
Hi, Gino, could you tell us how you ended up in the nightclub industry?
I got a job working at my godfather’s speakeasy, Gianni Russo’s State Street. I fell in love with the business. I went on to open several of my own nightclubs in the ’90s, including Utopia, Metropolis, Empire, and Glo. I turned the Spearmint Rhino Las Vegas around from a failing club to one of the most successful gentleman’s clubs in the world.
Any roadblocks along the way? How did you recover?
Between 2008 and 2010, I lost everything in the financial crisis and housing collapse. Three years later, my close friend and colleague Dennis DeGori, who is one of eight members of the Gentlemen’s Club Hall of Fame and known globally as one of the best club operators on the planet, called me and invited me to Miami. I arrived, and he discussed with me his vision for a new concept that would revolutionize the nightlife.
Was it easy to take the offer? We understand you had some hesitation.
It sounded compelling. However, with a wife and three young children back home, I said no. In fact, it was two more trips and two more nos before he put a final offer on the table to become his partner. So I took a leap of faith, and everything he promised me has come true tenfold.
Can you tell us more about E11EVEN MIAMI?
E11EVEN is a lifestyle brand that has clothing, a music label, and eventually spirits that will follow. We are known for a first and still one-of-a-kind experience combining many aspects of entertainment under one roof. We’ve had performances from Drake, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Halsey, G-Eazy, Ludacris, and on any given day, you may run into Leo DiCaprio, Odell Beckham Jr, Justin Bieber, or even Derek Jeter.
What do you think makes your brand stand out from the rest?
What sets us apart is our 11 family, the staff. We all love what we do, and it shows by the way we treat people and embrace our guests. So when you come to our door, you will hear “Welcome home,” and that’s how you will feel when you are inside.
How was the journey?
Hospitality is a very tough industry, particularly nightlife, as the public has always been looking for the newest best thing. To keep things fresh and forward-thinking is always the biggest challenge in front of you. The highs have been very high and the struggles very low. Dennis and E11EVEN have changed my life, not to mention my wife, Yvonne, and three young children, Gino Jr, Gianna, and Maria love Miami.
