Business & Health
Richie Akiva, Prince of New York Nightlife, Proves to be One of a Kind
Human Nature spotlights Richie Akiva, New York club owner/restaurateur, who recently added The Darby to his portfolio of nightspots.
Akiva discusses his business aspirations, management style and how to stay hungry with your goals.
By Christopher Windham
Human Nature magazine
Richie Akiva drew laughter from the crowd as he nervously read his acceptance speech from a blackberry mobile phone. “I probably haven’t given a speech since I was in high school,” he quipped.
Akiva, 35, was being honored this summer at Russell Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s annual East Hampton benefit for his contributions to society. Music producer Swizz Beatz, philanthropists Chip and Allison Brady, and wellness guru Deepak Chopra were among the other honorees that night.
“It means a lot to me,” Akiva says in an interview with Human Nature. “I’m privileged and proud to be here, probably more than anybody else up there.”
Akiva, an entrepreneur, has made a name by operating some of the premier nightclubs in New York, including Butter, 1OAK (One of a Kind) and the G Spa & Lounge, which have been frequented by many top celebrities, including Diddy, Leonardo DiCaprio, Paris Hilton, Kanye West and Jay-Z.
Akiva and business partner Scott Sartiano are poised to have another hot spot on their hands with The Darby, a 1950s style supper club. The venue opened earlier than expected in September for Beyoncé’s 29th birthday party, thrown by husband Jay-Z.
His own birthday parties have become a ritual for hip-hop and Hollywood stars. Akiva’s 35th birthday party at 1OAK in September was attended by Nelly, Busta Rhymes, Queen Latifah and Russell Simmons.
Akiva’s nightclubs are known for providing a fresh atmosphere for New Yorkers of all ethnicities, Europeans, hipsters, influencers and other VIPs to mix and mingle.
Akiva has expanded his empire with a developing a clothing line and a record label. He’s also a partner in the popular energy drink OSO Energy.
“I’m doing music, clothing and nightlife and trying to intertwine the arts in that,” Akiva says.
Born and raised in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood, Akiva bounced around private schools before graduating from the prestigious Dwight School on the Upper East Side. At 19, began promoting parties, earning so much that he began to see a future in the nightlife business.
In 2000, Akiva partnered with Scott Sartiano to launch the Butter Group, a hospitality and management services business. In addition to its New York restaurants and lounges, the group this year opened Butter NC in Charlotte, its first venue outside of Manhattan.
Akiva puts a personal stamp on each venue. He’s typically involved with the conceptualization of the design, the music, performances and menu selections.
Given the type of organizational skills and hands on approach it takes to manage a successful nightclub, Akiva says he more accustomed to connecting with people in a personal way than in group settings with speeches.
“I’m way more behind the scenes,” Akiva says. “I’m a people person. I talk to people one-on-one. It’s very personal.”
