Who Runs New York Nightlife: Dream Hospitality, Butter Group and Tao

2 min read

In New York, the promoter is the front door. Three groups set the tone.

Dream Hospitality Group

George Karavias began it as a promotion business in 2014, Billboard reports, and grew it into venues. In 2024 the New York Post reported he and investors acquired Nebula. Its Paradise Club lists tables at one thousand to fifteen hundred plus tax for up to six, and twenty-five hundred to three thousand for up to fourteen.

Butter Group

Richie Akiva and Scott Sartiano founded Butter Group in 2002. With Ronnie Madra they opened 1 OAK in west Chelsea in late 2007, the room that set the celebrity-club template.

Tao Group

Marquee New York and TAO Downtown. Marquee’s lower tables have been listed at fifteen hundred; TAO Downtown runs two to thirty-five hundred.

Do you need a promoter?

A former bottle host put it plainly on Reddit: you do not need a promoter to get in; promoters have guest lists, and walk-ins are fine. Another commenter disagreed for the hardest doors. Both are true. Be polite at the door. They remember faces.

Read our scored reviews in New York Club Reviews and Birthday Night Reviews.

RelatedOppression vs. Suppression: Know Which One Is Holding You Down

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Sources

• Billboard, George Karavias on Dream Hospitality Group
• New York Post, Nebula acquired by Dream Hospitality CEO, 2024
• Dream Hospitality Group, Paradise Club
• Butter Group, 1 OAK NYC
• Reddit r/NYCbitcheswithtaste, former bottle host thread
• Discotech, TAO Downtown / Marquee NY

Minimums are as reported by the sources above at the time of writing. They move with the night, the DJ and the table position. Confirm with the venue before you go.

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