March 5, 2009, CLEVELAND, OH – The Nightclub & Bar 2009 Top 100, the only ranking of the nation’s leading high-volume nightclubs, bars and lounges, was a highlight of the Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, March 1–4.
The Top 100 was developed by Nightclub & Bar in partnership with Technomic, Inc., the Chicago-based hospitality industry market research firm, through a process of primary and secondary research. Published in the February issue of Nightclub & Bar magazine, the Top 100 ranked the establishments by annual revenue, with revenues ranging from $3 million to $60 million. During a presentation at the 2009 Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show, Technomic Vice President David Henkes outlined some key findings from the research:
- 60 percent of nightclubs, bars and lounges responding to the Top 100 survey reported positive sales in 2008, and 29 percent reported no change.
- Cocktails dominate sales in these establishments, generating 52 percent of sales on average.
- Five major metropolitan areas dominated the Top 100 list: Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Miami.
Nightclub venues were well-represented on the Top 100 list; country-western clubs, sports bars, alternative clubs and live music venues were also present. Tao in Las Vegas ranked number one, while the Grizzly Rose in Denver held the 100 spot.
A panel discussion moderated by Nightclub & Bar Editorial Director Donna Hood Crecca included three Top 100 operators: Scott Durland, owner of the Grizzly Rose in Denver; Russell Greene, general manager and partner in Opera Nightclub in Atlanta; and Jonathan Spadafora, general manager of LAX nightclub in the Luxor in Las Vegas, a Pure Management Group concept. The panel shared their insights on the impact of the current economic downturn on their businesses and the importance of creating loyalty among patrons in their success during a standing-room-only session entitled, “2009 Top 100: Who is Succeeding & How.”
The Top 100 were then celebrated at the Nightclub & Bar Top 100 Party at XS Nightclub at Encore, the newest offering from Vegas nightlife impresarios Victor Drai, Jesse Waits and Cy Waits. The lavish club opened on New Year’s Eve at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, and is now the city’s premier nightspot.
To be included in the Nightclub & Bar Top 100, establishments must have been open all of calendar 2008, operate in no more than five locations and generate at least 60 percent of total sales from beverage alcohol. To view the complete Nightclub & Bar 2009 Top 100 list, click here.
For questions relating to the Top 100 initiative, please contact Donna Hood Crecca, Nightclub & Bar editorial director via email at dcrecca@questex.com or by phone at 631-265-3839.