Mark Birnbaum – A well-known name in New York’s nightlife industry

Mark Birnbaum is a renowned name in the hospitality business. He has taken the nightlife entertainment industry, to an entirely new level. His company the EMM group, which he founded with his two partners in 2006, has established many successful night life venues and top-class restaurants that are popular for their unmatched ambience and services.

Forbes magazine has called Mark, the king of New York’s nightlife. Some of the lounges and nightclubs that Mark and his partners have opened include; SL (2009), Catch, the Chandelier Room and Tenjune.

These establishments have been set near, below, above or adjacent to his restaurants as to provide convenience of both entertainment as well as a dining experience, within the same property.

In the summer of 2012, the EMM group became partners with The Social at Ravel and the HQ nightclub in Atlantic City. Today, the EMM group still continues to expand successfully.

Mark Birnbaum Chats Desserts

It's not secret that Mark Birnbaum and the folks over at EMM Group have a sweet tooth. Just check out the Peanut Butter Pie with Salted Caramel Ice Cream and Pretzel Streusel at Abe & Arthur's (below). While the nightlife has been a space where he's excelled, Mark Birnbaum knows a thing or two about how sweet treats can add that extra little something to a restaurant.

From Abe & Arthur's featured dessert above, to the cereal-inspired doughnuts down at The General's Bakey, EMM Group has established its restaurants as some of the highest caliber in New York City. EMM Group's chefs creative some of the best in class food and pastries that will only make you want to keep coming back for me. 

EMM Group and Mark Birnbaum pride themselves on providing high class customer service along with the best experience for all of their guests.  

Don't hesitate to stop by one of the EMM Groups restaurants today to experience the world class services.  

Mark Birnbaum on Boutique Hotels

There been a lot of chatter lately in the hospitality industry surrounding the boutique hotel experience. Today, there are tons of boutique hotels with new ones opening seemingly on a daily basis. From the posh decor and unique interiors to the lack of signage on the outside to create a specific ambiance.

It's not something that's a new idea, according to this Wall Street Journal article: 

In 1984, the two nightclub impresarios who had run Studio 54 opened a new chapter in the lodging industry with Morgans.

The lodging industry was an anodyne place when Morgans opened. Other than the most high-end of offerings, operators seemed to pride themselves on being as far from hip as one could get.
The boutique hotel model changed this, typically offering luxury accommodations in locations more intimate than chain hotels, while carrying a nightclub feel. This model proved a galloping success, spreading around the world to about any city with some claim to cosmopolitanism. Customers were able to feel special, cared-for and cooler than those frumpy tourists and business drones at the hotel chains.

While these slick hotels have a certain charm compared to the likes the big chains, it's important to note how much work and time it takes to build up an experience. When Mark Birnbaum and EMM Group took to launching The Chandelier Room at W Hoboken Hotel & Residences, the looked to bring an innovative nightlife concept to Hoboken, New Jersey, adding to the hotel in a bit way.

Don't take these hotels for granted. Some of them are hidden gems here in New York City.

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EMM Group & FINALE To Provide VIP Experience at this years Electric Daisy Carnival New York

Mark Birnbaum is excited to announce EMM Group and FINALE will be providing the VIP Experience at this years Electric Daisy Carnival New York! The Electric Daisy Carnival combines the world's most renowned dance music talent with leading-edge production to create an unparalleled experience of sight and sound. The event will be taking place at Citi Field on Friday May 17th and Saturday May 18th.

EMM Group and FINALE couldn't be more excited for the event. If you're looking for more info, check it out here. There's still lots of time left to pick up tickets and there is going to be a slew of great entertainment.

Electric Daisy Carnival New York 2012

No longer simply an electronic music festival, Electric Daisy Carnival has grown into a one of a kind, full entertainment experience. EDC combines the world's most renowned dance music talent with leading-edge production to create an unparalleled experience of sight and sound that you will have to encounter for yourself to believe. This is your world, so come play and let your imagination lead the way.

EMM Group and Mark Birnbaum couldn't be more excited for this coming summer and this is only the first announcement of many to come. Be sure to keep checking back on Facebook and Twitter for upcoming news.

You can check out more general information about EDC New York here.

Mark Birnbaum's Thoughts on Work-Life Balance

As busy as his schedule may get, Mark Birnbaum knows that it's important to keep a work-life balance. Although he is the partner of one of New York’s most successful and multi-faceted hospitality management companies - EMM Group, which recently just launched outposts of CATCH and SL inside The James Royal Palm in South Beach, Miami he knows that it's important to also take some time to yourself and recharge to better prepare for what's to come.

Not too long ago Forbes actually released a great article with a few tips. Below are a few that jumped out:

• Communicate. If you won’t be available for certain hours during the day or weekend because you’re dealing with family issues, let your manager and colleagues know, and get their full support.

• Use Technology to Your Advantage. Technology should help make your life easier, not control it. Ban technology at certain times so that you can focus on your family or friends.

• Protect Your Private Time. Allow yourself to daydream in the subway or appreciate good weather on your walk to work. If you don’t allow yourself pockets of personal time, you’ll become too burned out to fully appreciate any part of your life.

• Fight the Guilt. Superwoman–and Superman–are fictional characters. Real people can’t devote 100% to everything they do. Stop feeling guilty if you miss an occasional soccer game or bail on a colleague’s going-away party.

Although, it's a common occurrence and there's so many out there who struggle to maintain or even achieve a work-life balance, it's something that folks can strive to do. There's no better time than to start now. If you're satisfied with what you're doing and what's happening both personally and professionally, you'll see you efficiency and productivity jump as well. 

BlackBook Chats with EMM Group Pastry Chef

BlackBook recently stopped by to chat with Thiago Silva – the 28-year-old Brazilian executive pastry chef behind all of Mark Birnabum's and the EMM Group’s restaurants. Thiago is also the one behind the creation of The General's most esteemed and talking about dessert: it's cereal topped doughnuts. Yup, you heard right. When asked about the doughnut creation, Thiago replied:

“A lot of people think I was high when I came up with the idea,” Thiago says. “But I wanted a breakfast item, so I combined my favorite breakfast cereals with my really great doughnut recipe.”

And don't worry. There's a delicious doughnut from out menu across all of the restaurants. At CATCH NY, CATCH Miami, Lexington Brass, and Abe & Arthur’s, you’ll find one signature doughnut. For our CATCH Miami location, you'll be privy to our key lime doughnut. At The General, it's the green tea flavored one. For the rest of Mark Birnbaum's hot spots it varies. Anything from something like a pumpkin flavored doughnut to peaches and cream.

Thiago, who’s also had no formal culinary training was doing his thing long before EMM Group added him to their elite crew of chefs and staff. In the past he's even made cakes for folks such as Brooke Shields, three cakes for Sofia Vergara, and the entire New York Giants squad, the day after they won the Super Bowl.

Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing Dine at Mark Birnbaum's Catch

When Mark Birnbaum and the EMM Group opened Catch on October 1, 2011, they never could have image who would walk in two years later on April 19th - New York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing and Chicago Bull Michael Jordan. The two superstars stopped down in the Meatpacking District to enjoy the fine ambiance and food of Catch.

Who would have thought that the two athletes would have casually strolled in on this Friday night in April.

There we no ill feelings as Mark Birnbaum, who was born and raised in New York City catered to the Bulls hall-of-famer. Hosting two of the NBA's most valuable players and some of basketballs most iconic personalities was a pleasure in itself. Catch has come a long way in the less than two years that it has been open, credit Mark Birnbaum and EMM Group's tenacity and work ethic. 

For those not familiar with Catch, the restaurant builds upon its strong culinary foundation, as Chefs Huynh and EMM Group shift the focus to seafood with dishes like Crispy Whole Red Snapper for two with Oyster Mushrooms, Peppers and Chili-Garlic Sauce, Dungeness Crab Tagliatelli with Flying Fish Roe & Scallion Tomato Sauce, Crab & Chorizo Stuffed Calamari with Chickpeas, Piquillo Peppers, Mint & Chili-Lime, and an array of cold carpaccios including Salmon Belly Crudo with Watercress, Sweet and Sour Onions, Yuzu & Garlic Crumble.

New York City at Night

Over the years, a number of people ask 'where to go in NYC come night fall." Aside from the obvious answer and mentioning the spots that I, Mark Birnbaum have helped develop such as Catch Roof and SL, there's a bustling nightlife all over the boroughs. That's why New York is one of, if not the best place in the world and why the EMM Group is based in Manhattan.

New York city is like non-other in the sense that once night hits, you have that feeling of being young and free. It creates such an ambiance and indescribable feeling that just pulls you in.

Since EMM Group was developed in 2006, Mark Birnbaum has built a strong venue portfolio and a solid reputation as a leader in the hospitality industry. Doing so in a city that can eat people up on a daily basis. There were no doubt struggles and obstacles to overcome and you don't get to be named by Forbes as one of the 'Kings of NYC Nightlife' and featured in GQ without grit and determination.

While others can sit back and wallow in what they built, Mark Birnbaum is always looking to keep things moving forward. Whether its the opening of a new establishment like Catch Miami or working on the already thriving holdings that are already well established, Mark is never one to take a back seat to things.

As EMM Group comes up on it's 7th anniversary, Mark and everyone at the company is looking forward to the future in the greatest city in the world (New York) and beyond.

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Mark Birnbaum Names to UJA 40 under 40

UJA 40 under 40: Mark Birnbaum, Eugene Remm and More

UJA-Federation of New York unleashed their 40 under 40 list of the top movers and shakers in the New York community. Participants were chosen for their “drive, determination, achievement, character, and the ability to serve as leaders of the community.” One of those named to the list was EMM Groups own Mark Birnbaum.

Mark couldn't be more delighted to be named for such an honorable award. Through the years he has come from upstate nightlife promoter to one of the most respected hospitality moguls in the tri-state area and arguably in the country. He has been able to take concept to creation and build some of the most sought after restaurants and clubs in Manhattan. 

As one of the co-founders of the EMM Group, he has created a successful hospitality business, with venues that include: FINALE at 199 Bowery in the Lower East Side, Abe & Arthur’s, SL and the iconic Tenjune in the meatpacking district, and The Chandelier Room at the W Hotel in New Jersey. Mark Birnbaum has also established CATCH and SL inside The James Royal Palm in Miami. Mark has been featured in GQ Magazine and been labeled as one of the "Kings of New York Nightlife" by Forbes Magazine.

With things not looking to slow down in the near future, Mark Birnbaum is looking forward to all that's still to come in 2013. In early 2013, Birnbaum took the CATCH concept and headed to the Miami market, opening a second location of the widely popular seafood restaurant in South Beach at the James Royal Palm. Also opening is a Miami outpost of SL at the hotel – SL Miami – that will be sure to attract the same stars and revelers that frequent EMM Group’s New York venues. 

You can take a full look at the entire list of people who were named to the 40-under-40 list here. A formal 40 under 40 event is planned to take place this fall to honor Mark and all others named to the list. 

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Mark Birnbaum Essentials

Everyday Essentials: Mark Birnbaum, EMM Group

In case you missed it, Mark Birnbaum sat down with GQ a little while back to talk about a few essentials he needs to keep EMM going. As the article mentioned, here are a few things that Mark mentioned help turns things up, getting things done, and chill things out:

• Boxing: With the business hours being a bit all over the place, Mark is all about maintaining his health. That's why sweating it out at the gym three to four times a week can help.
• Smartphone: The way that technology and the business world moves these days, Mark needs to be mobile and on-the-go. Always being able to stay connected helps him stay ahead of the curve.
• Aston Martin: Growing up in a family that way part of the automotive business, Mark holds a close place in his heart for great cars. 
• Watches: Not only is it part of the style, but it's something that saves him from looking at his smartphone non-stop and always keeps him conscious of his time. As we all know, time is an important thing.
• Comfortable Sneakers: Whether it's opening up a new spot in Miami or just keeping up with the day-to-day activities of EMM, a comfortable pair of sneakers is definitely something that can't be overlooked.
• The Knicks: Not only do they provide a nice little distraction for the day-to-day happenings but there's nothing like sitting court side at Madison Square Garden with thousands of other screaming fans rooting for your hometown team. 

While these are only a few things Mark Birnbaum uses to make sure things keep moving forward, he's open to hearing what you can't live without. What is it - your favorite lunch spot or hotel?

Read the full article as it appeared in GQ here: http://www.gq.com/style/ten-essentials/201112/emm-group#slide=1

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Mark Birnbaum Excited The General's Bakery is Open

The General, New York City

Mark Birnbaum shakes up the breakfast world with The General's cereal-inspired doughnuts

In case you missed it, Lower East Side Asian hotspot, The General isn't only rolling out some great food for lunch and dinner, it also has a great bakery as well. The restaurant whose kitchen is run by Top Chef Season 3 winner, Chef Hung Huynh is rolling out cereal-inspired doughnuts along with a number of other great delicacies starting at 6 a.m. every morning. 

The General, which is owned by Mark Birnbaum of EMM Group boosts an elegant dining experience with environments ranging from the seasonal outdoor patio to the Cafe, pastry counter, social hightop tables nestled right around the bar and an elegant dining room to top everything off. 

In case you're wondering why The General, which is an Asian themed restaurant created a classic American menu for its bakery, you're not the only one. Pastry chef Thiago Silva recently sat down with DuJour Magazine to give them a sneak peak into what went into creating these cereal-inspired doughnuts and the rest of the items on The General's bakery menu. 

DuJour: The General is Asian-themed. Why create a classic American menu for its bakery? 

Thiago Silva: I wanted to do something that is familiar, approachable and something that everyone loves. I did manage to add Asian ingredients into a few donuts. For example, the Fruity Pebbles has a kaffir lime-infused custard, which makes it taste like the cereal.  

DuJour: What inspired the cereal donuts? 

TS: I'd been developing a doughnut recipe before we even had a concept for The General, and I came up with a great recipe for the dough. I wanted to stick to the breakfast theme, and I thought about how I always ate cereal for breakfast when I was on the go. Therefore I designed cereal-inspired doughnuts so people could come in and grab doughnuts before they start their day.

Aside from the cereal-themed doughnuts, Mark Birnbaum also says guests can indulge in a number of other delicious pastries and savoy foods including, pretzel bombs - pretzel rolls filled with egg, cheese and a choice of back or ham. 

When will you be visiting The General? 

Excerpt from DuJour Magazeine

New Program to Mentor Entrepreneurs with Startups

New York City recently introduced a new program that would mentor startups on a fast track. New York offers a lot of competition and opportunities for newly-founded businesses. EMM Group was able to navigate the industry successfully and other businesses that have opportunities to succeed can too. This new program is helping some of the best entrepreneurs in the city make the connections and strategy necessary for long term growth.

As much time and effort as it takes to start a business, growing a new venture from 5 to 50 employees can be even more challenging. And unlike the early days of a company, when founders might have the camaraderie of an incubator program to rely on, the next stage in the startup life cycle is often a lonely one.

The NYC Venture Fellows Program wants to help these entrepreneurs get off their islands. Since 2011, the program -- a joint initiative between the city's Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Fordham University -- has provided startups in New York City with a support system for that post-incubator, post-seed funding period.

Read more: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/226225#ixzz2OsGcWoTn

New York is one of the largest cities in the world, and for many businesses that is both a curse and a blessing. Having mentors for the founders allows for a great support system necessary for startups to succeed in today's world.

Succeeding in New York City is no cup of coffee

Mark Birnbaum is the power behind the exuberant nightlife of New York City

Nothing is more beautiful than a quiet Saturday evening spent in a classy restaurant with friends or family. In the yesteryears however, good restaurants were not easy to find and the ones available were costly. Mark Birnbaum, together with his association with Mr. Eugene Remm and Mr. Michael Herrnstein, has brought about a radical change in that scenario.

Their company, the EMM group has created a string of gorgeous restaurants and clubs that have become the heart of New York nightlife in a short period of time. This has been a major boon for people who simply wanted to unwind with good food wine and music on weekends, but could not find a worthy place for the same. Mr. Birnbaum’s fame has spread everywhere and many celebrities and people of high repute have become a part of his esteemed clientele.

Mark Birnbaum – The Creator of Luxurious Nightlife & Hospitality Hotspots

Looking for an exquisite wining and dining experience, then head to the suave seafood restaurant ‘Catch’ in the meatpacking district of Manhattan. Always a perfect setting; whether a high profile event or a private soiree for the rich and the famous. The man behind this successful story is none other than hospitality mogul Mark Birnbaum. He has the perfect ingredients for the success of Catch with the ambience, hospitality and top chef winner Hung Huynh.

It just does not stop there, with his entrepreneurial venture of the EMM Group which he created with good friend Eugene Remm and business entrepreneur Michael Hirtenstein, Mark has provided an unparallel nightlife experience to all New Yorkers. The EMM Group which he started in 2006 has become a brand name in the luxury and hospitality industry. Whether it a night life experience with their clubs like TenJune, Catch roof, Chandelier Room and SL East or a great dining experience with Lexington Brass or Abe & Arthur’s, the trio has surely hit it big.

So how does he keep his endeavors in the meatpacking district? The answer is easy by catering to the demands of its patrons and offering them an unparallel experience. His love for the nightlife industry is evident from one of his oldest interviews after the launch of the Lobby in which he said, “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.”

When everyone was reeling under the economic meltdown of 2007, Mark and his partners were busy investing their millions to acquire more space for their ventures. It is easy to guess why Mark Birnbaum is the reigning king of the nightlife industry in New York, it is his flair to take risks and deliver nothing short of the best. Mark is a busy man with his two new hotspots 199 Bowery and Catch in Miami, it’s yet to be seen whether they live up to the standards of the EMM group.

ABOUT EMM GROUP

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 location 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. In April 2009, they expanded themselves into the hotel-lounge industry with the opening of The Chandelier Room at the W Hoboken Hotel.

During Fashion Week in Fall 2009, EMM Group unveiled the latest additions to its burgeoning portfolio with the opening of its first restaurant, Abe & Arthur’s, and a neighboring boutique nightclub, SL, on West 14^th Street. With EMM Group’s corporate office located next door and their nightlife flagship Tenjune holding court two streets south, these additions only cement the group’s stronghold on the Meatpacking district. In an ever-changing industry in a highly competitive climate, EMM Group continues to demonstrate forward thinking, while staying true to their founding principles of superior services, thoughtful execution and exceptional management.

Source: Mark Birnbaum The New Kings of New York Nightlife

Mark Birnbaum, from Rags to Riches

A name that needs no introduction, and is indisputably very well known in the Big Apple is that of Mark Birnbaum of the EMM Group. Anyone who has ever met him or has been to any event of this 35 years old hospitality and nightlife business tycoon, always say that, “being Mark Birnbaum means “do it or die trying.” This is true to a great extent, as he never looked back, and he has never lost his aim.

No one can deny the contribution that Mark has made to brightening up New York’s nightlife. In the year 2006 at the age of 29, he signed a partnership with Mr. Eugene Remm and they both worked hard for one of their multimillion dreams, the EMM Group. Then in 2008, a third addition was made to the EMM Group and Michael Hirtenstein joined them. Their starvation for success keeps on reaching new heights; recently they were crowned as “The New Kings of New York Nightlife”, by Forbes magazine.  

This hospitality and nightlife mogul was born on June 10, 1977 and at the age of 21 he started his career as a promotions director. The first responsibility for which he offered himself as a beholder was, backing special events and nightlife for Manhattan clubs.

Mark Birnbaum has always aimed for the top and this is what forced him to launch and manage a nightclub spread over 22,000 square feet at Ithaca College. He admirably completed that responsibility and four years later, he made another big move in his career by opening a consultancy business. With this step, he successfully opened the Lobby nightclub, which later on became a milestone in his career.

That was perhaps the last time when he ever looked back. Soon after the enormous success of his nightclub, he was in discussions with the top of most event hosting companies in the New York area, and the first company he agreed to work with was AER Lounge. AER Lounge employed him to help them with their event supervisions, promotions, special events and marketing section and once again, Mark Birnbaum delivered his best. This time, AER shares the taste of glory with Mark and their victory flag was unfurled on the hearts of many New Yorkers.