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.