Thursday, September 29, 2011

NEW RESTAURANT IN MEATPACKING BY MARK BIRNBAUM (EMM GROUP)

http://newyork.metromix.com/restaurants/article/hot-plates/2840877/content

Catch
The EMM Group (Lexington Brass, Abe & Arthur's) dropped a line into the drink and reeled in former "Top Chef" contestant Hung Huynh to be the executive chef at their new tri-level restaurant in the Meatpacking District. The restaurant itself takes up the second and third floors of the building, while a lounge with an outdoor space sits on the fourth floor. Huynh menu, which he refined with EMM big-brass chef Franklin Becker, veers seafood-heavy with global flavors. Think calamari stuffed with crab and chorizo and served with chickpeas and piquillo peppers, and Dungeness crab tagliatelli with roe and scallion-tomato sauce. Expect this place to be a scene when it opens on Oct. 1. (21 Ninth Ave. between 13th and Little West 12th St., 212-392-5978)

EMM Group is owned by Eugene Remm, Mark Birnbaum and Michael Hirtenstein

Monday, September 26, 2011

MARK BIRNBAUM'S RESTAURANT IN WALL STREET JOURNAL

Open only a few weeks, the gleaming Midtown bistro Lexington Brass is already serving capacity lunch crowds. The restaurant was founded by the EMM Group, owners of Chelsea's Abe & Arthur's.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204831304576593090451481826.html

EMM Group is owned by Eugene Remm, Mark Birnbaum and Michael Hirtenstein

Friday, September 23, 2011

PRIVATE DINNER AT MARK BIRNBAUM RESTAURANT CATCH

http://www.examiner.com/events-in-new-york/christina-ricci-hosts-nylon-magazine-dinner-at-catch-restaurant

Christina Ricci Hosts NYLON Magazine Dinner at Catch Restaurant


This week, Pan Am star and NYLON's September cover girl, Christina Ricci, joined by co-star Karine Vanasse, singer Ashlee Simpson and boyfriend Vincent Piazza, models Petra Nemcova, Jessica White, Byrdie Bell and Peaches GeldofMiami Heat's Chris Bosh and wife Adrienne Williams and stylist-to-the-stars Patricia Field, hosted an intimate dinner celebrating the September cover of NYLON Magazine at EMM Group's new seasonal seafood restaurant,CATCH.  Executive Chef Hung Huynh prepared a multi-course menu of crispy rice, fresh fish and filets for the fashionable crowd, which included NYLON Edito-in-Chief Marvin Scott Jarrett and publisher Jaclynn Jarrett along with EMM Group owners, Eugene RemmMark Birnbaum and Michael Hirtenstein. 

Monday, September 19, 2011

MARK BIRNBAUM IN THE NEW YORK POST




According to an insider at the club, R&B singer Ne-Yo got on the mic to wish EMM Group owners Eugene Remm, Mark Birnbaum and Michael Hirtenstein a happy two-year anniversary before giving an impromptu performance of his summer anthem, “Give Me Everything.” Another source told us Rourke, who was out with three guy friends, was a big hit with the ladies, telling us, “There were tons of girls going up to him.”

Thursday, September 15, 2011

EMM GROUP AND MARK BIRNBAUM IN NEW YORK TIMES

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/08/fashion/oh-to-be-fashion-weeks-in-spot-new-york-fashion-week.html



FASHION WEEK is more than willowy models traipsing runways in a seizure-inducing flurry of flashbulbs. It’s also an opportunity to shake up the city’s night life and anoint a new A-list pecking order.

Every fall, aspirational impresarios time their grand openings to coincide with New York Fashion Week, so they can bask in the reflected glow of the designers, celebrities, beautiful people and international dilettantes who descend upon the city like glittering locusts.

Booking the right party comes with numerous rewards: boatloads of glamorous publicity and party photos, instant cachet as a fashion hangout and the tacit imprimatur of the cool crowd.
“Everybody comes back from Europe, the Hamptons, wherever they’ve been,” said Mark Birnbaum, an owner of Catch, a seafood restaurant opening this month in the meatpacking district. “They’re chomping at the bit to see something new.”
...

Monday, September 12, 2011

Mark Birnbaum’s newest hotspot CATCH in the meatpacking district hosted two major events over the weekend.

http://www.hauteliving.com/2011/09/catch-plays-host-to-the-911-event-and-lady-antebellums-lead-singer-charles-kelley-birthday-party/

CATCH Plays Host To The 9/11 Event and Lady Antebellum’s Lead Singer Charles Kelley Birthday Party

Posted By Ashley Joy Parker on September 12th, 2011
NYC’s newest hotspot CATCH in the meatpacking district hosted two major events over the weekend.
On Friday Seeptember 9th, CATCH the hosted the after-party for the celebrity benefit reading of Sarah Tuft’s heartfelt play 110 Stories, which tells harrowing, true stories from those at Ground Zero in the wake of the horror on 9/11. The productions co-stars, including Stephen Baldwin, Monk’s Tony Shaloub, Comedian Mario Cantone, Law & Order SVU’s Tamara Tunie, Super 8’s Noah Emmerich, The Proposal’s Aasif Mandvi, The Karate Kid’s Ralph Macchio, among others celebrated the closing night of the play along with Tony Award-Winning theater director Gregory Mosher and EMM Group owners Eugene Remm, Mark Birnbaum and Michael Hirtenstein.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

MARK BIRNBAUM'S LEXINGTON BRASS IN THE EXAMINER.COM

Preview: EMM Group's Lexington Brass Arrives in Midtown!

http://www.examiner.com/events-in-new-york/preview-emm-group-s-lexington-brass-arrives-midtown

This week, the latest culinary incarnation from EMM Group, the hospitality fixture behind Abe & Arthur’s Restaurant, will open doors to Lexington Brass.  The 100-seat American bistro will be located on the ground level of the new luxury Hersha Group Hotel, the Hyatt 48Lex, on the corner of 48th Street and Lexington in Midtown Manhattan.  As the second restaurant venture from EMM Group founders Eugene Remm, Mark Birnbaum and Michael Hirtenstein, Lexington Brass will feature classic American bistro fare conceptualized and executed by Abe & Arthur’s Executive Chef Franklin Becker.  Also coming aboard from EMM Group’s flagship eatery will be pastry chef Gustavo Tzoc, whose whimsical confections helped establish Abe & Arthur’s as an undisputed dessert destination in New York City within its first year.

Monday, September 5, 2011

MARK BIRNBAUM IN WWD

http://www.wwd.com/eye/food/hung-huynhs-latest-catch-5229045

Hung Huynh is in constant motion — weaving through a kitchen full of line cooks while sautéing dishes and fielding questions from his staff.

The 5-foot, 6-inch “Top Chef” season three winner is a Tasmanian devil in the kitchen, a fact that doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone who has watched the reality show. But when Huynh slows down, he’s both calm and thoughtful, albeit preoccupied.

“After I won ‘Top Chef,’ I had so many opportunities, but I literally waited for three years to really make an impact,” the chef says days before the unveiling of Catch, his “first serious big-time restaurant.”

Opening Saturday, the eatery has a prime location in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District: across from the Gansevoort Hotel, next door to Pastis and just a block from The Standard hotel. The 12,361-square-foot tri-level space is a behemoth. It seats 275 customers and comprises two dining rooms and a rooftop lounge where a DJ will spin music late into the night. Customers enter an inauspicious door on Ninth Avenue and take the elevator to the main dining room on the second floor. Although it’s a tad affected, the experience already drips with exclusivity. Behind Catch are nightlife impresarios Mark Birnbaum and Eugene Remm, the duo behind Meatpacking clubs Tenjune, SL and restaurant Abe & Arthur’s.

“We are probably the most dominant in this area,” says Birnbaum. “It’s our comfort zone. We really get this neighborhood and we love it.”

Catch began when Remm and Mark Birnbaum realized that there were no seafood restaurants in the area. Once a suitable location opened up, they grabbed it and began interviewing chefs.

“I never watched ‘Top Chef’ in my life, but Hung is amazing,” Remm says. “This is a business first. This isn’t a p.r. stunt. Hung was brought on purely for his talent.”

While the owners admit that their new chef’s celebrity status is only a plus, Huynh himself has brushed that chapter of his life aside.

“I haven’t seen or kept in touch with the ‘Top Chef’ people,” he says. “Right now, my focus is on this restaurant. Every corner you turn you see new concepts, new restaurants. It’s very tough out there.”

Catch
21 Ninth Avenue near 13th Street; 212-392-5978
Kitchen hours: Sunday and Monday, 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Mark Birnbaum's new hot spot: Lexington Brass

http://ny.eater.com/archives/2011/08/a_peek_at_lexington_brass_opening_in_midtown_next_month.php


Next month, the EMM Group and chef Franklin Becker will open the 100-seat Lexington Brass (above), a sister to their MePa spot Abe & Arthur's, in a large space within the Hyatt on Lexington an 48th. Becker will move over from A&A to man the stoves here, serving items like jam-filled pancakes and Belgian beer waffles for breakfast, deviled eggs with fried chicken, veal schnitzel, and lobster BLTs for lunch, and pork chops and foie gras mousse for dinner. They're pitching it as an American bistro.

They'll also have four wines, three beers, and (taking a cue from Brooklyn perhaps) kombucha tea on tap. Stay tuned as the September 7 opening approaches.

EMM Group is owned by Mark Birnbaum and Eugene Remm.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Forbes.com Video Network: Mark Birnbaum, Partner of EMM Group

http://vimeo.com/27627376

Recession didn't deter Michael Hirtenstein, Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum from building a $30 million luxury nightlife empire.Check out this video from Forbes.com.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Awards Mark Birnbaum and his partner Eugene Remm

http://www.manhattancc.org/marketplace/news/reports/detail.cfm?Classification=report&QID=7767&ClientID=11001&topicID=0

Eugene Remm & Mark Birnbaum, Partners
Hospitality moguls Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum, good friends and former business competitors both born on the 10th of June, teamed-up in 2006 to open Tenjune, a nightclub in the Meatpacking District and establish EM Group, which in 2008 became the EMM Group. A lifestyle, events and marketing company, EMM Group specializes in production, management and development of noteworthy celebrations, launch parties and important activities. Building on the success of their first venture Tenjune, in the heart of NYC’s Meatpacking District, Remm and Birnbaum have expanded their business portfolio to include Four Hundred, a members-only, lifestyle management service, as well as The EMM Group Estate, their multi-million dollar, privately-owned mansion in the Hamptons that plays home to the most exclusive events during the summer season. Among a highly competitive nightlife scene, TENJUNE has become New York City’s most celebrated hotspot in the Meatpacking District in just two years. Tenjune, which consists of less than 3,500 usable square-feet, generated $12 million gross in the first year enabling Remm and Birnbaum to pay back their investors at an unheard of time in the nightlife arena.

...

Monday, August 22, 2011

Mark Birnbaum: Co-Owner of EMM Group in NYC

Look for EMM Group on Facebook


http://www.facebook.com/pages/EMM-Group/183092825046419?sk=info

Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum along with business entrepreneur Michael Hirtenstein founded EMM Group, one of New York’s most successful restaurant and nightlife management companies, in 2006. Since that time the partners have built a solid reputation as leaders in the hospitality industry, organizing several hundred events and developing the company into a multi-faceted hub for successful venue ownership and execution.

EMM Group, recently dubbed by Forbes Magazine as “The New Kings of New York Nightlife”, specializes in restaurant and nightlife operations, event production, marketing, promotions and lifestyle management. The summer 2009 opening of Abe & Arthur’s, which Zagat’s called an “instant success”, and SL, their highly anticipated restaurant and lounge on 14th Street in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, marked the latest additions to the hospitality empire. Building on the success of their first nightlife venture Tenjune, a celebrity haunt located in the heart of the Meatpacking District, EMM Group’s business portfolio has continued to grow with the creation of new trend-setting hospitality and lifestyle projects including their first hotel venture, The Chandelier Room at the W Hoboken, which boasts spectacular indoor – outdoor views of the New York City skyline. In 2007, EMM Group purchased The Estate, a privately-owned property in the Hamptons, and launched Four Hundred, a members-only lifestyle management service, which, along with the 14th Street location of the EMM Group corporate office, has reinforced the company’s stronghold in the area.

This winter EMM Group will open the doors to their newest eatery, Lexington Brass, an American Bistro located on the ground level of an iconic new luxury Hyatt hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Soon after, EMM Group will make their way back out to the desirable Hamptons scene for summer 2011 as it takes over the lease of the landmark property which formerly housed Lily Pond and Resort. Also in the pipeline for EMM Group is their second restaurant in the Meatpacking District, a seafood concept, that patrons can expect in 2011.
As EMM Group continues to expand and infuse innovative energy into an ever-changing industry, it also works to maintain the principles in which the company was founded; striking the perfect balance between exceptional operations and strong promotions.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Meatpacking Crawl in NYC with Mark Birnbaum

June 22, 2011

A Crawl to Remember

On Monday, roughly 50 industry professionals took their own tour of the Meatpacking District for the Greater New York Chapter of NEWH's Making of the Meatpacking event.

The night started at nightclub TenJune, where Lionel Ohayon, ICRAVE; Celeste Fierro, One Group; and Mark Birnbaum, EMM Group, discussed their restaurants and nightclubs—the successes and the not-so successful ones—within New York's hottest going-out area, delving not only into the design, but the ideas behind them, their secrets to longevity in an otherwise volatile industry, and how they constantly adapt to a changing clientele.

The group then moved upstairs to the newly opened rooftop of STK restaurant for perfect sunset views, and ended the night with bottle service at the rooftop of the Gansevoort. Just a typical New York night!
Svedka vodka donated all of the alcohol, and even created a special drink for the occasion: the aptly named Hospitalitini.

Special thanks to our sponsors: 5 Star Furniture, Appian Textiles/Tiger Imports, Dedon, Fabric Innovations, Koroseal, Lusive Decor, Mason Contract Products, Tucci, and Valley Forge Fabrics.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Mark Birnbaum & Eugene Remm and EMM Group Take Over New York

http://www.prlog.org/11601043-mark-birnbaum-eugene-remm-and-emm-group-take-over-new-york.html

Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum along with business entrepreneur Michael Hirtenstein founded EMM Group, one of New York’s most successful hospitality, lifestyle and management companies, in 2006. Since that time the partners have built a solid reputation as leaders in the industry, organizing several hundred events and developing the company into a multi-faceted hub for successful venue ownership and execution. EMM Group specializes in restaurant and nightlife operations, marketing and event production, celebrity procurement and lifestyle management. Building on the success of their first nightlife venture Tenjune, a celebrity haunt located in the heart of the Meatpacking District, EMM Group’s business portfolio continues to expand with the creation of new trend-setting hospitality and lifestyle ventures.

In 2007, EMM Group purchased The EMM Group Estate, a privately-owned property in the Hamptons that plays home to the most exclusive events during the summer season, and launched Four Hundred, a members-only, lifestyle management service.

EMM Group recently launched the Chandelier Room and is now looking forward to the  the opening of Abe & Arthur’s and Simyone, their highly anticipated restaurant and lounge on 14th Street in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District. As EMM Group continues to expand it works to maintain the principles in which the company was founded, of superior execution, quality service, exceptional management and a strong operational foundation.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Mark Birnbaum & EMM Group in the Hamptons

http://www.articlesbase.com/news-and-society-articles/mark-birnbaum-emm-group-in-the-hamptons-5070442.html

With many new concepts and venues coming East from Manhattan and local staples staying put, this season of debauchery will not be a let down. Hamptons favorites like East Hampton's Serafina will remain open, however famed Della Femina has sadly closed its doors. Taking over the space is the Houston Restaurant Group, which has an extensive list of restaurants across the country and will re-name their outpost, East Hampton Grill. Blue Parrot Grill will be back in action drawing celebrities most weekends and Lily Pond will be taken over by the EMM Group. The EMM Group headed by Mark Birnbaum and Eugene Remm own Abe and Arthur's Restaurant in the Meatpacking District which is housed over the exclusive lounge, SL. The team is bringing that concept to the Lily Pond space and naming it, SL East.

Exciting news for Bridgehampton as Polo is back on! Who really thought that it wouldn't happen? Special events and tents are going to be operated by the Strategic Group again. The Strategic Group is headed by Jason Straussand Noah Tepperberg, will again be back to take on Dune on North Sea Road in Southampton. Dune has been the king of nightlife in Southampton but this year will bring many changes to the Southampton scene.

The Dual Groupe from the Day and Night brunches fame will be moving from East Hampton Point to the 230 Elm space. The St.Tropez style brunches are operated by brothers Derek and Daniel Koch, both have opened their own restaurant in the Meatpacking District a year ago called MPD. Madame Tong's Redux, which was taken over by Ian Duke last year, will rename it the Southampton Social Club. Also coming to Southampton is Gabby Karen's Tutto il Giorno to Nugent Street. This will be the outpost of the original Sag Harbor space. Another exciting venue to add to the already impressive list of Hampton's hot spots will be Nobu at the Beach. Nobu, which is the famed sushi restaurant in Manhattan and internationally will bring a casual atmosphere and menu to the Capri Hotel off County Road 39. They are looking to create a lounge in the pool area as well.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Night Moves with Mark Birnbaum, Eugene Remm & Michael Hirtenstein of EMM Group Inc

http://www.celebritygossip411.com/news/night-moves-with-mark-birnbaum-eugene-remm-michael-hirtenstein-of-emm-group-inc-3/

Eνеrу morning, nightlife impresarios Eugene Remm аnd Mаrk Birnbaum face a tο-dο list thаt wουld leave mοѕt quivering іn thеіr boots. “Yeah, іt’s pretty intense,” ѕауѕ Remm, ѕtаrіng аt thе dozens οf tasks thаt await hіm. “Thеrе wаѕ a time whеn wе hаd οnlу one club аnd I сουld remember everything іn mу head, bυt now thеrе′s јυѕt tοο much going οn.” Tοο much indeed. Sіnсе 2006, whеn thеу ѕtаrtеd thе EMM Group, a lifestyle аnd hospitality company, Remm, Birnbaum аnd veteran businessman Michael Hirtenstein hаνе amassed a stable thаt includes thе club Michael Hirtenstein, Eugene Remm аnd Mаrk Birnbaum Night Moves Tenjune, thе W Hoboken’s lounge, Chandelier Room, аnd Thе Estate, a mansion іn thе Hamptons thаt doubles аѕ a clubhouse fοr thе jet set during thе summer season.

In thе heart οf thе Meatpacking District іѕ whеrе уου′ll find thе group’s latest ventures, thе restaurant Abe & Arthur’s аnd thе downstairs 2,200-square-foot club, SL. In less thаn a year, thе venues hаνе quickly become two οf thе city’s mοѕt рοрυlаr hot spots. Sean Penn, Rihanna, Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher аnd Jay-Z аrе јυѕt a few οf thе A-listers whο hаνе sampled Abe’s classic contemporary American fare.

Thе partners wеrе іn thе middle οf building Abe аnd Arthur’s whеn thе global fi nancial market collapsed. “Wе hаd already broken ground аnd аll around υѕ people wеrе losing jobs, banks wеrе being bailed out, people wеrе expecting thе Grеаt Depression,” ѕауѕ Birnbaum. “And іt’s nοt lіkе wе wеrе selling something secure lіkе gold. Wе′re lucky thаt wе hаνе gοοd customers thаt stood bу υѕ.” Bυt thе trio hаѕ never shied away frοm risk. Birnbaum, once a financial planner, quit hіѕ profession аftеr thе events οf 9/11 forced hіm tο reevaluate hіѕ future. “I lived rіght асrοѕѕ frοm Ground Zero, аnd thаt same month I lost a friend tο cancer,” hе ѕауѕ. “I figured life wаѕ tοο short. I needed tο dο something I lονеd.” Remm, meanwhile, worked hіѕ way up frοm thе mailroom аt thе PR firm Harrison & Shriftman tο become director οf promotions аt thе B.R. Guest Restaurant Group. Hіѕ success wіth thе restaurant Vento Trattoria аnd іtѕ subterranean lounge, Level V, рυt hіm οn thе nightlife map.

At 46, Hirtenstein іѕ thе oldest аnd mοѕt accomplished οf thе trio, having mаdе hіѕ millions іn thе communication industry. Hе dесіdеd tο take a chance οn thе young upstarts аnd invested both time аnd money іn Remm аnd Birnbaum’s fledgling company. “Whеn I mаdе mу investment approximately 18 months ago, thе company hаd a lіttlе more thаn million іn sales іn [Tenjune],” ѕауѕ Hirtenstein. “Within three years οf mу investment, I wouldn’t bе surprised іf thе venues wе еіthеr οwn οr hаνе management deals fοr mау hit thе 0 million mаrk, аnd [thаt figure іѕ still] growing.”

Thе partners ѕау thеу аrе now focused οn developing a boutique hotel. “Wе want tο take care οf уουr lifestyle needs frοm beginning tο еnd,” ѕауѕ Remm. “Wе want tο bе уουr one-ѕtοр shop.” Visit emmgroupinc.com.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Mark Birnbaum - Tenjune - Club Owner - NYC Nightlife King

http://www.blackbookmag.com/article/eugene-remm-mark-birnbaums-june-10th-was-better-than-yours/19451

Whenever the 10th of June rolls around I always think: I know this date so well, but how? Cue David Lynch-esque deja-vu music while I think about past lives until I realize, Oh, it's Tenjune. Right. Eugene Remm & Mark Birnbaum's Svedka Vodka Adult Playground 2033 was last night, at Abe & Arthurs—not at Tenjune, because my head would've exploded as that very date happens to be both of their birthdays. I'm not sure how I managed to get invited to the club impresarios' joint birthday jam, what with the likes of Kim Kardashian and DJ Cassidy on the personal guestlist, but it was enough to remind me that I have a lot more to accomplish in my life to deserve a birthday party the size of one called 'Adult Playground,' and a lot more to accomplish before my name makes it to the party recap list next to attendees like Whitney Port and Tyson Beckford, and even more to accomplish before Mark and Eugene actually invite me to their soiree. Themselves. Anyway, hopefully all of that happens before 2033, like the Svedka sponsors suggest, but for now, I am just happy I got to see (if not be seen) celebrations for such iconic industry as like Remm and Birnbaum.
Kim was one of those guests who the PR mavens didn’t get a chance to announce was coming, because she just casually popped in to say hello to Mark and Eugene, and to see Jason Derulo, Iyaz, and Chris Willis perform. A couple of other industry insiders were present as well: Sam Nazarian of SBE (and ex to Kristin Cavalari) and real estate heir Matt Moinian, along with Scott Sartiano and Richie Akiva were all present to wish the boys well. Guests enjoyed dinner the way only Abe & Arthur’s and Svedka could produce, with fare that included Svedka Mango Tiramisu with Chocolate Lady Fingers dessert. Happy birthday E&M! Thanks for sort of inviting me!

Mark Birnbaum Scores Success on Manhattan's Club Scene

Mark Birnbaum had no idea when he was planning after-prom parties at The Wheatley School and managing a nightclub at Ithaca College, that it would lead him to be involved in one of the hottest nightspots in New York - Lobby.
Birnbaum is the CEO/President of Operative, Inc., a firm the consults for bars, nightclubs and real estate development. The 26-year-old Long Island native left a lucrative career on Wall Street to work his true passion, planning and promoting events.
Why did you leave your job in finance?
I was tired of it, not into it. I have always thrown parties, and always wanted to do that. When 9-11 happened, I lived right across the street, and then the economy took a nose-dive and I figured it's better to do what makes you happy, doing what you want to do and that will make you successful and happy.
Tell me a little about Lobby?
My partner, Jeremy and I, wanted to create a club with high-end service and nice dcor. In this economy, if people are going to spend a lot of money, you better give them proper service. It's sort of like a high-end hotel bar without the rooms above it. The whole theme is a hotel lobby bar but without the restrictions like noise levels. It's a high-energy lounge with all the amenities.
What is your typical night away from Lobby like?
I like checking out the competition, seeing what is trend setting, what everyone is eating and drinking. Staying in tune. Typical night might be going to a restaurant or an event. Going to the Soho House or whatever the next "new" thing is. I don't drink so what entertains me is pretty girls and how things operate.
If you could create your perfect woman, what would she be like?

READ MORE AT:   http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/153214/lobby_mark_birnbaum_scores_success.html?cat=41

Monday, August 8, 2011

Victoria's Secret Models celebrate Mark Birnbaum's birthday at Tenjune

http://www.eatstaydrink.com/christina-milian


It was a sexy celebration when VS supermodels Alessandra Ambrosio and Doutzen Kroes helped Nightlife impresarios Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum celebrate their shared birthdays at their NYC hotspot Tenjune. In honor of Remm and Birnbaum's birthday, partygoers were treated to surprise performances including Lil' Kim, who performed to beats spun by the world famous DJ Cassidy.
Loose Talk: Natalie Portman spotted having a glass of red wine with a male friend at Bardot. Actress Halle Berry seen drinking an apple martini at Whiskey Blue Los Angeles after shooting her Revlon campaign in the hotel.

Friday, August 5, 2011

MARK BIRNBAUM IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703775704576162720976027568.html

As the Meatpacking District club approaches its fifth anniversary in September, this weekend, Tenjune, on Little West 12th Street, will unveil a $400,000 facelift. The culmination will be a live performance Saturday by the rapper Fabolous.

[TENJUNE] 

"January and February are the slowest months of any business," said Eugene Remm, one of the owners of the EMM Group. "It's the perfect financial time to make renovations."

Tenjune was the EMM Group's first venture in September 2006. (EMM is also Michael Hirtenstein and Mark Birnbaum.) Now they own, among other locales, Abe & Arthur's, SL and a new venue, Lexington Brass, which will open this spring. Five years ago, said Mr. Remm, "I was just psyched to have a job."

As for some of the changes you'll see at Tenjune: the entryway has been completely redone, "so you'll have no clue you're walking into the Tenjune you've been walking into for the last five years." A feature wall that wraps around the room which used to have images of waves now shows lions, gorillas and semi-nude women. An advanced LED lighting system has also been installed via hanging panels above the dance floor. (Like the original Tenjune and the rest of the EMM Group properties, the refurbishings were designed by iCrave.)

Mr. Remm said that the layout of the room hasn't changed, "it's still the perfect hybrid nighclub. It's big enough, but small enough." Investors in the original Tenjune, he added, "have been paid back 400 percent. If someone invested in Tenjune, they are very happy people."

Thursday, August 4, 2011

MARK BIRNBAUM'S CLUB - TENJUNE

TENJUNE

Neighborhood: Meatpacking District
Type of Place: Night Clubs

Description: Tenjune is the latest nightspot set to open in the still hot Meatpacking District. Urban Daddy reports this subterranean den, from nightlife gurus Mark Birnbaum and Eugene Remm, will be a shade of purple with pre-opening parties already drawing in the celebs!


Tenjune
26 Little West 12th St
at 9th Ave
New York, NY
(646) 624-2410

Mark Birnbaum in Gothman Magazine

Every morning, nightlife impresarios Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum face a to-do list that would leave most quivering in their boots. “Yeah, it’s pretty intense,” says Remm, staring at the dozens of tasks that await him. “There was a time when we had only one club and I could remember everything in my head, but now there’s just too much going on.” Too much indeed. Since 2006, when they started the EMM Group, a lifestyle and hospitality company, Remm, Birnbaum and veteran businessman Michael Hirtenstein have amassed a stable that includes the club Michael Hirtenstein, Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum Night Moves Tenjune, the W Hoboken’s lounge, Chandelier Room, and The Estate, a mansion in the Hamptons that doubles as a clubhouse for the jet set during the summer season.

In the heart of the Meatpacking District is where you’ll fi nd the group’s latest ventures, the restaurant Abe & Arthur’s and the downstairs 2,200-square-foot club, SL. In less than a year, the venues have quickly become two of the city’s most popular hot spots. Sean Penn, Rihanna, Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher and Jay-Z are just a few of the A-listers who have sampled Abe’s classic contemporary American fare.

The partners were in the middle of building Abe and Arthur’s when the global fi nancial market collapsed. “We had already broken ground and all around us people were losing jobs, banks were being bailed out, people were expecting the Great Depression,” says Birnbaum. “And it’s not like we were selling something secure like gold. We’re lucky that we have good customers that stood by us.” But the trio has never shied away from risk. Birnbaum, once a financial planner, quit his profession after the events of 9/11 forced him to reevaluate his future. “I lived right across from Ground Zero, and that same month I lost a friend to cancer,” he says. “I figured life was too short. I needed to do something I loved.” Remm, meanwhile, worked his way up from the mailroom at the PR firm Harrison & Shriftman to become director of promotions at the B.R. Guest Restaurant Group. His success with the restaurant Vento Trattoria and its subterranean lounge, Level V, put him on the nightlife map.

At 46, Hirtenstein is the oldest and most accomplished of the trio, having made his millions in the communication industry. He decided to take a chance on the young upstarts and invested both time and money in Remm and Birnbaum’s fledgling company. “When I made my investment approximately 18 months ago, the company had a little more than $10 million in sales in [Tenjune],” says Hirtenstein. “Within three years of my investment, I wouldn’t be surprised if the venues we either own or have management deals for may hit the $100 million mark, and [that figure is still] growing.”

The partners say they are now focused on developing a boutique hotel. “We want to take care of your lifestyle needs from beginning to end,” says Remm. “We want to be your one-stop shop.” 

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

MARK BIRNBAUM: MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR

Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum Named 'Most Eligible Bachelors'

by Clubplanet
01.28.2010

It's hard to find a good man in this city, unless you know where to spot them. If you want to snag one of the most eligible bachelors in New York City - well, at least according to the New York Post - then you may want to start looking in the trendy Meatpacking District.
The paper named Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum (co-founders of the EMM Group and main men behind Abe & Arthur's, Tenjune and SL) two of NYC's "flirty dozen." The article divulges the company's revenue last year - a mere $30 million. Um, can you say awesome Valentines day and anniversary gifts? But don't get your hopes up just yet, the two have an outstanding track record when it comes to past girlfriends that's pretty hard to compete with. "Birnbaum’s been linked to a string of Victoria’s Secret models, including Adriana Lima and Miranda Kerr," reports the NY Post. "And Remm dated actress Shannen Doherty."

MARK BIRNBAUM AND EEM GROUP - IN THE HAMPTONS

EMM Group To Bring SL To Lily Pond This Summer
This summer the Hamptons will get a taste of SL nightlife at Lily Pond!

Mark Birnbaum and Eugene Remm, the geniuses behind Tenjune, SL, and Abe and Arthurs, are bringing the party to the Hamptons for summer 2011.  Along with Michael Hirtenstein and Top Chef's winner Hung Hyun, this new EMM Group club/restaurant is sure to be the hotspot in Montauk. The team tested the Lily waters a few Saturdays this past summer but now they've taken the plunge into ownership.  The new venue has yet to be named, but there's no doubt that a slew of models, celebs, and all of the pretty people will be in attendance. Known for its indoor/outdoor design with massive VIP-lounge and patio terrace featuring bed-style cabanas, Lily Pond is already buzzed from a successfully star studded season this past summer, and it will only get bigger from here.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Mark Birnbaum - Partner of EMM Group - NYC Night Life

Hospitality moguls Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum, good friends and former business competitors both born on the 10th of June, teamed-up in 2006 to open Tenjune, a nightclub in the Meatpacking District and establish EM Group, which in 2008 became the EMM Group. A lifestyle, events and marketing company, EMM Group specializes in production, management and development of noteworthy celebrations, launch parties and important activities. Building on the success of their first venture Tenjune, in the heart of NYC’s Meatpacking District, Remm and Birnbaum have expanded their business portfolio to include Four Hundred, a members-only, lifestyle management service, as well as The EMM Group Estate, their multi-million dollar, privately-owned mansion in the Hamptons that plays home to the most exclusive events during the summer season. Among a highly competitive nightlife scene, TENJUNE has become New York City’s most celebrated hotspot in the Meatpacking District in just two years. Tenjune, which consists of less than 3,500 usable square-feet, generated $12 million gross in the first year enabling Remm and Birnbaum to pay back their investors at an unheard of time in the nightlife arena.

With the success of their first venue Tenjune, and the recent multi-million dollar sale of a portion of their company to financier Michael Hirtenstein, EMM Group continues the expansion of their empire with two new ventures in the upcoming year. Set to open in February 2009, The EMM Group has teamed-up with the luxury boutique W Hotels in Hoboken, where they will introduce “Chandelier”, a unique nightlife experience for hotel guests and the Hoboken community. In September 2009, the EMM Group introduced Abe & Arthur’s Restaurant and SL (Simyone Lounge) in the Meatpacking District in the old Lotus space on 14th Street.

Along with their partner Michael Hirtenstein, EMM Group has established a reputation as a hospitality hub, a synergistic axel providing access to a top level of service that begins with operations and extends through promotions, providing service for the customer in all aspects of their experience. Each arm of the company complements the other in the seamless execution of full circle hospitality. Striking the perfect balance between restaurant and nightclub operations and promotions, EMM Group successfully guides its target demographic through the dining and entertainment experience.

Traditional spokes on the EMM Group wheel often work to compliment and accelerate larger corporate initiatives as the EMM Group promotions, events and brand marketing departments continue to experience enormous growth and an increasing client base.

EMM Group’s greatest virtue in this industry is their pledge to great service and hospitality. Birnbaum, Remm and Hirtenstein know they are in an experiential business and continue to use TENJUNE as a platform to build upon their nightlife philosophy that relies heavily on luxury, service and attention to detail.

EUGENE REMM
Eugene RemmEugene Remm, one of New York City’s most trusted nightlife impresarios, has years of marketing and event experience under his belt. A New York native, Remm began his career in public relations and promotional events at a top New York City firm. He then moved on to work with Rande Gerber’s Midnight Oil Company overseeing promotions for all 19 Midnight Oil bars. This job offered him the opportunity to cultivate his experiences and master hotel-lounge operations in multiple cities.
After a few years in the hotel-lounge business, Remm became interested in creating the ultimate restaurant-lounge, something he thought was missing and necessary in the nightlife scene. Remm left Midnight Oil and became the Director of Promotions for the BR Guest Restaurant Group. Remm was instrumental in establishing the overnight success of Level V, the celebrity-trodden lounge below Vento Trattoria in New York City’s trendy Meatpacking District, before leaving to open his own vision of nightlife, Tenjune.
Along with his business partners, Remm helped make Tenjune one of the sexiest and most successful venues in New York. With a background firmly rooted in restaurant, hotel and nightlife operations and experience with A-list clientele and the ever-changing service industry environment lends Remm the credibility and connections necessary to build one of the most successful hospitality firms in the New York area.
MARK BIRNBAUM
Mark Birnbaum began his career in nightlife and special events as a promotions director in 1998, where he launched and managed a 22,000 sq. ft. mega-club in the heart of Ithaca, NY.
In 2002, Birnbaum formed the nightlife consulting company Operative Inc., to open Lobby Nightclub, a chic midtown Manhattan nightclub. Lobby's launch in 2003 was considered to be among the most successful in nightlife history. He was later hired to open and oversee the marketing, public relations, promotions and events for AER Lounge, which shortly after reached an unprecedented level of success resulting in Conde Nast Traveler naming it one of the top nightclub venues in the world, and #1 in Manhattan.
Having achieved success by creating the perfect blend between nightlife, operations, hospitality and business, Birnbaum continues to develop the elements that sets EMM Group’s business model apart, striving to refine and heighten the industry on all fronts.

Mark Birnbaum Celebrates Another June Tenth Birthday at His NYC Club TENJUNE

http://guestofaguest.com/nyc-nightlife/eugene-remm-and-mark-birbaum-celebrate-another-tenth-of-june-birthday-together-at-tenjune/
Nightlife impresarios Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum celebrated their shared birthdays at their NYC nightclub TENJUNE (which is coincidentally named after their shared birthday on June 10th) with close friends. These two may be another year older, but they are not slowing down...team Hampton spotted the pair arriving with their entourage at Pink Elephant, Southampton this Saturday night.  Last night, guests helped Mark and Eugene ring in their birthday at the stroke of midnight.
More story and photos below....
-

Monday, July 25, 2011

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD: MARK BIRNBAUM & EUGENE REMM

2010 Young Professionals Award
EMM Group
Eugene Remm & Mark Birnbaum, Partners
Hospitality moguls Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum, good friends and former business competitors both born on the 10th of June, teamed-up in 2006 to open Tenjune, a nightclub in the Meatpacking District and establish EM Group, which in 2008 became the EMM Group. A lifestyle, events and marketing company, EMM Group specializes in production, management and development of noteworthy celebrations, launch parties and important activities. Building on the success of their first venture Tenjune, in the heart of NYC’s Meatpacking District, Remm and Birnbaum have expanded their business portfolio to include Four Hundred, a members-only, lifestyle management service, as well as The EMM Group Estate, their multi-million dollar, privately-owned mansion in the Hamptons that plays home to the most exclusive events during the summer season. Among a highly competitive nightlife scene, TENJUNE has become New York City’s most celebrated hotspot in the Meatpacking District in just two years. Tenjune, which consists of less than 3,500 usable square-feet, generated $12 million gross in the first year enabling Remm and Birnbaum to pay back their investors at an unheard of time in the nightlife arena.

With the success of their first venue Tenjune, and the recent multi-million dollar sale of a portion of their company to financier Michael Hirtenstein, EMM Group continues the expansion of their empire with two new ventures in the upcoming year. Set to open in February 2009, The EMM Group has teamed-up with the luxury boutique W Hotels in Hoboken, where they will introduce “Chandelier”, a unique nightlife experience for hotel guests and the Hoboken community. In September 2009, the EMM Group introduced Abe & Arthur’s Restaurant and SL (Simyone Lounge) in the Meatpacking District in the old Lotus space on 14th Street.

Along with their partner Michael Hirtenstein, EMM Group has established a reputation as a hospitality hub, a synergistic axel providing access to a top level of service that begins with operations and extends through promotions, providing service for the customer in all aspects of their experience. Each arm of the company complements the other in the seamless execution of full circle hospitality. Striking the perfect balance between restaurant and nightclub operations and promotions, EMM Group successfully guides its target demographic through the dining and entertainment experience.
Traditional spokes on the EMM Group wheel often work to compliment and accelerate larger corporate initiatives as the EMM Group promotions, events and brand marketing departments continue to experience enormous growth and an increasing client base.
EMM Group’s greatest virtue in this industry is their pledge to great service and hospitality. Birnbaum, Remm and Hirtenstein know they are in an experiential business and continue to use TENJUNE as a platform to build upon their nightlife philosophy that relies heavily on luxury, service and attention to detail.

EUGENE REMM
Eugene RemmEugene Remm, one of New York City’s most trusted nightlife impresarios, has years of marketing and event experience under his belt. A New York native, Remm began his career in public relations and promotional events at a top New York City firm. He then moved on to work with Rande Gerber’s Midnight Oil Company overseeing promotions for all 19 Midnight Oil bars. This job offered him the opportunity to cultivate his experiences and master hotel-lounge operations in multiple cities.
After a few years in the hotel-lounge business, Remm became interested in creating the ultimate restaurant-lounge, something he thought was missing and necessary in the nightlife scene. Remm left Midnight Oil and became the Director of Promotions for the BR Guest Restaurant Group. Remm was instrumental in establishing the overnight success of Level V, the celebrity-trodden lounge below Vento Trattoria in New York City’s trendy Meatpacking District, before leaving to open his own vision of nightlife, Tenjune.
Along with his business partners, Remm helped make Tenjune one of the sexiest and most successful venues in New York. With a background firmly rooted in restaurant, hotel and nightlife operations and experience with A-list clientele and the ever-changing service industry environment lends Remm the credibility and connections necessary to build one of the most successful hospitality firms in the New York area.

MARK BIRNBAUM
Mark Birnbaum began his career in nightlife and special events as a promotions director in 1998, where he launched and managed a 22,000 sq. ft. mega-club in the heart of Ithaca, NY.

In 2002, Birnbaum formed the nightlife consulting company Operative Inc., to open Lobby Nightclub, a chic midtown Manhattan nightclub. Lobby's launch in 2003 was considered to be among the most successful in nightlife history. He was later hired to open and oversee the marketing, public relations, promotions and events for AER Lounge, which shortly after reached an unprecedented level of success resulting in Conde Nast Traveler naming it one of the top nightclub venues in the world, and #1 in Manhattan.
Having achieved success by creating the perfect blend between nightlife, operations, hospitality and business, Birnbaum continues to develop the elements that sets EMM Group’s business model apart, striving to refine and heighten the industry on all fronts.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Mark Birnbaum Opens Abe & Arthur's in NYC

Not Grandpa’s favorite dish

With sophisticated food, Abe & Arthur’s is no delicatessen.

It’s refreshingly sweet that a trio of canny private clubiers—EMM’s Eugene Remm, Mark Birnbaum and Michael Hirtenstein—would name their first restaurant gamble for their grandfathers.

Abe & Arthur’s may sound like a delicatessen, but on this rainy Thursday night it’s a hive of hipsters and heel-totterers. At 11 p.m., most restaurants are winding down these frugal nights, but in this just-hatched chicklet in the meatpacking district, where Lotus once ruled, waiters race to reset tables for a coven of nocturnal pretties and the lotharios that stride in their wake. On the floor below, SL, for Simyone Lounge, celebrates a third grandfather.

A few days ago, our foursome was almost alone in the low-lit dinge, with only an aggressive sound system competing in the just-opened spot. Franklin Becker, a chef I’ve been following for years, was the draw for me. It wasn’t easy to find the pointedly discreet entrance, and once inside, I found the scrims draped on weathered walls, the black-on-black reflected in black mirrors, handsome, moody and mysterious.

Then with my first bite of popover—crusty and lush, salty, buttery and cheesy (Gruyère, pecorino and manchego)—my taste buds click on the alert. The place may look like drinking and mating, but it tastes like a restaurant. We study and debate how to divvy up the menu, a roster of comfort and the familiar, from $9 for lobster bisque to $38 for 14 ounces of dry-aged strip.

Perhaps the garlicky steamed mussels tucked under grilled country bread in the black iron pot could be plumper, and the day-boat cod with “various cabbages” and puffed rice might be a tad less cooked.

But I’m thrilled by a pair of crab cakes—jumbo lumps of crab barely held together with Old Bay-curried mayonnaise, then pan-sautéed and served on summer corn with red pepper sauce—and the nutty, caramelized sea scallops, delicately cooked and (unnecessarily) crowned with a square of foie gras on a purée of cauliflower and almond. Super-rich mac & cheese with a crackle of brown butter crumbs is right on beat, with a crust just like Mom’s. A generous square of brownie oozing chocolate ganache with malted-milk ice cream, plus a big iron pot of “apple Tatin cobbler,” clinches the seduction.

If they turn up the lights and tone down the music, grown-ups who care about eating might want to come, I thought, as we staggered through the inky black to 14th Street. Usually I leave a new restaurant hoping the kitchen will shape up. Here the only direction to go is downhill. By the time I check in 10 days later, the die is cast. Mickey Rourke, Sean Penn and Russell Simmons have already come by, the chef tells me, explaining why he is already cooking for 450 many nights.

It’s party night Thursday, with tables of 14 or so getting drunk and hollering to each other as if they are the world. Even the balcony is stuffed. So we’re shouting across our table, interrupted by the miracle of the popovers, gone, alas, long before appetizers arrive. Finally, through the manic melee come crab cakes, as luscious as before, juicy sliders and lobster bisque poured from a small pitcher over lobster bits and green apple. Of course the mac & cheese is a must: perfect again.

Branzino, the whole fish of the day, comes boned with just the tail left on to hold it together. Tonight, as our chocolate brownie Vesuvius arrives, one noisy rabble has been evicted for another. It’s almost 11 and the tall, skinny women are tottering in as we pack up. Much as I’ll long for those popovers and fine crab cakes, it’s no country for old fuddy-duddies like us.
http://www.crainsnewyork.com/dcce/20091025/9/RESTAURANT_REVIEWS/91/RR_ACTIVE/2320123&Selected=1

Nightlife King Mark Birnbaum Celebrates His Birthday at Tenjune


Whenever the 10th of June rolls around I always think: I know this date so well, but how? Cue David Lynch-esque deja-vu music while I think about past lives until I realize, Oh, it's Tenjune. Right. Eugene Remm & Mark Birnbaum's Svedka Vodka Adult Playground 2033 was last night, at Abe &Arthurs—not at Tenjune, because my head would've exploded as that very date happens to be both of their birthdays. I'm not sure how I managed to get invited to the club impresarios' joint birthday jam, what with the likes of Kim Kardashian and DJ Cassidy on the personal guestlist, but it was enough to remind me that I have a lot more to accomplish in my life to deserve a birthday party the size of one called 'Adult Playground,' and a lot more to accomplish before my name makes it to the party recap list next to attendees like Whitney Port and Tyson Beckford, and even more to accomplish before Mark and Eugene actually invite me to their soiree. Themselves. Anyway, hopefully all of that happens before 2033, like the Svedka sponsors suggest, but for now, I am just happy I got to see (if not be seen) celebrations for such iconic industry as like Remm and Birnbaum.

Kim was one of those guests who the PR mavens didn’t get a chance to announce was coming, because she just casually popped in to say hello to Mark and Eugene, and to see Jason Derulo, Iyaz, and Chris Willis perform. A couple of other industry insiders were present as well: Sam Nazarian of SBE (and ex to Kristin Cavalari) and real estate heir Matt Moinian, along with Scott Sartiano and Richie Akiva were all present to wish the boys well. Guests enjoyed dinner the way only Abe & Arthur’s and Svedka could produce, with fare that included Svedka Mango Tiramisu with Chocolate Lady Fingers dessert. Happy birthday E&M! Thanks for sort of inviting me!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Mark Birnbaum Celebrates His Birthday at Tenjune

http://www.eatstaydrink.com/christina-milian

It was a sexy celebration when VS supermodels Alessandra Ambrosio and Doutzen Kroes helped Nightlife impresarios Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum celebrate their shared birthdays at their NYC hotspot Tenjune. In honor of Remm and Birnbaum's birthday, partygoers were treated to surprise performances including Lil' Kim, who performed to beats spun by the world famous DJ Cassidy.
Loose Talk: Natalie Portman spotted having a glass of red wine with a male friend at Bardot. Actress Halle Berry seen drinking an apple martini at Whiskey Blue Los Angeles after shooting her Revlon campaign in the hotel.

Mark Birnbaum And Eugene Remm

Read full article at :  http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrities/mark-birnbaum-and-eugene-remm

Fitness, not financials: The nightclub impresarios -- they own Manhattan's Tenjune and the newly opened lounge SL -- are poised to open and Abe & Arthur's restaurant in the Meatpacking District, which perhaps also means they will spend more time working out. “People focus so much on spending money on clothes,” says Remm. “If they went to the gym instead, their clothes would fit three times better than paying for some random expensive designer.”

Sneaker chic: Birnbaum owns a rare pair of Converse, designed and signed by John Varvatos. “He made four pairs, and I got one of them. They’re like an art piece, so I put them in a glass display case,” he says.

Haute hip-hop:
Fashion-wise, Remm admires Kanye West and Jay Z: “They’re able to go from a nightclub outfit to perfect business attire and always make it their own.”

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Mark Birnbaum: The New Kings of New York Nightlife

The New Kings Of New York Nightlife
Steven Bertoni, 05.10.10
Eugene Remm, 31, and Mark Birnbaum, 32, don't believe in quitting while they're ahead. As economic disaster swelled in 2007, Tenjune--their swanky, 5,000-square-foot nightclub in Manhattan's Meatpacking District--kept on rocking. On one raucous evening a real estate developer bought $75,000 worth of Perrier-Jouët champagne for the house, then told partygoers to shake up the bottles and coat the room in suds. Tenjune opened in August 2006 and generated $12 million of revenue in 2007, making Remm and Birnbaum's combined 50% stake worth millions of dollars. Says Remm, "Everyone was saying we were one-hit wonders"--meaning they should take their money and run.


Instead, the pair doubled down. Their nightlife empire, EMM Group, now includes restaurants, lounges, a luxury concierge service and a house in Sag Harbor, L.I. used for hosting private parties for VH1 and the cast of Gossip Girl. Headquartered in a sunny loft near Tenjune, EMM, now with 30 head-office employees, had $30 million in sales in the last 12 months. Credit that performance to Birnbaum's aesthetic eye and Remm's attention to detail. A third partner--Michael Hirtenstein, 47, who sold his Westcom Communications, which supplied secure voice and data networks to Wall Street firms, for $270 million in 2005--joined in 2008 and negotiates contracts. "They have their eyes on everything but never look stressed," says MTV Programming President Tony DiSanto, a regular EMM customer. "I see them more as producers than club owners."
Remm, the son of Russian immigrants, had a taste for risk at Long Island's Hofstra University, where he ran a bar and speculated in real estate. During his senior year he bought five houses, putting down a combined $10,000 he had pocketed in tips. ("I was the definition of subprime," he quips.) After graduation Remm joined B.R. Guest Restaurants and ran its lounge, Level V. Birnbaum promoted Manhattan clubs as a high school senior on Long Island; at Ithaca College he ran a 22,000-square-foot nightclub. After hawking insurance and hating it, he started a consultancy aimed at new club owners.


Remm and Birnbaum hooked up after throwing competing birthday parties--both were born on June 10 (hence Tenjune)--and became fast friends. They raised $800,000 from college friends and club clients to open Tenjune just in time for Fashion Week and the MTV Video Music Awards. They threw a book launch party for celebrity stylist June Ambrose, hosted by rapper Sean Combs (a.k.a. P. Diddy). Penelope Cruz, Jay-Z and Beyoncé showed up. Emboldened, Remm and Birnbaum opened a concierge service in 2007 with annual dues of $7,500. That summer they took out a $3.9 million mortgage on an eight-bedroom Sag Harbor mansion, which hosts five blowout events a summer. In the spring of 2009 EMM signed on to run the Chandelier Room in the W Hotel in Hoboken, N.J.


Their biggest bet came on Sept. 15, 2008--the day Lehman Brothers filed Chapter 11--when Remm and Birnbaum plunked down $2 million, their entire savings, to secure a three-floor restaurant and club space a block from Tenjune. It needed renovation, which involved expanding the mezzanine and relocating the furnace room. Expected total cost, including renovations, furniture and permits: $7 million. They raised the other $5 million, mostly from happy Tenjune customers, in eight months. Abe & Arthur's, which serves $88 porterhouse steaks, and its basement club, SL, opened last September. The combo has since done $10 million in sales.
If Tenjune is EMM's blockbuster film, SL is the art house flick--small, intimate and ultracool. The stone walls feature a collage of human X-rays that change color with every fabric-rippling thump of the bass. The markups are adequate to cover the renovation costs. A 1.5-liter bottle of Grey Goose ($57 wholesale) goes for $1,000 at SL. A 6-liter bottle of Ace of Spades champagne is $30,000.


Diversification is crucial. "Robert Downey Jr. won't party at Tenjune, but he'll eat at Abe & Arthur's," says Remm. EMM's special events group opened American Eagle Outfitters' Times Square shop; it handled stage design, music and security, and also produced the video looped on an outdoor Jumbotron. Abe & Arthur's later hosted a dinner for American Eagle execs.


Behind the scenes, this business is a grind. The workday ends at 5 a.m., and Remm and Birnbaum are fielding e-mails by 9 a.m. The two are sticklers about consistency--from the way hosts greet customers and how quickly reservations are confirmed to the scent in each venue. (EMM pumps in a custom perfume through its air ducts.) Employees, who get BlackBerrys, must reply to e-mails within five minutes; they're also encouraged to maintain a healthy diet and slog through daily workouts, involving weights, treadmills and yoga sessions. "There are opportunities to have lots of bad habits," says Remm.


Revenues are broken down, daily, by customer. A 20,000-name spreadsheet--cobbled with help from waitresses, floor managers, publicists and Facebook--tracks minutiae on heavy hitters who drop at least $2,000 a night, including their professions, birthdays, favorite drinks and seating preferences. Each gets a follow-up call to see how the night went and what EMM can improve. "They know what people want and how to look after people," says Karolina Kurkova, the former Victoria's Secret underwear model.

EMM also analyzes the performance of its promoters--freelance pied pipers who march in lookers to fill the clubs. Many joints pay promoters by the volume of patrons they corral. EMM demands a good-looking crowd with high energy and deep pockets. Promoters get $500 for a stylish table of ten. Duds often get docked half their pay.


Remm, Birnbaum and Hirtenstein aren't done yet. They are in the midst of signing leases for three new venues--two restaurants and club. "You've got to stay fresh and keep your name relevant," says Birnbaum. "If I'm not opening the next place that looks amazing, someone is."