Cortney Bond is the owner of The Bond Group. In this conversation, we discuss Cortney’s journey from growing up in a true hospitality family in Las Vegas to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur and “speakeasy queen” in New York City. We get into the stories behind her venues (UES, Not a Speakeasy, Champagne Problems) and her unique approach to nightlife, design, and community. Cortney discusses NYC nightlife, the importance of fun and authenticity, adapting to changing drinking trends, and her vision for the future of hospitality and city government.

https://www.thenycalliance.org/

https://www.instagram.com/thenycalliance/ 

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Welcome Cortney Bond to Hospitality & Politics

1:27 - Growing Up in Las Vegas: Family & Nightlife DNA

3:16 - The State of Nightlife in NYC & Globally

5:00 - Cortney’s NYC Venues: UES, Not a Speakeasy, Champagne Problems

9:00 - Designing Unique Experiences

12:00 - The Role of Ice Cream in UES

18:00 - Dress Codes, Lessons Learned As An Owner

24:00 - Learning What Makes a Great Bar or Restaurant

29:00 - People Are Drinking Less - The Changing Drinking Trends

32:00 - Going Viral & Becoming A Taylor Swift Bar

41:00 - Government, Policy, and Cortney’s Political Ambitions

46:00 - Closing Thoughts & Hospitality Wisdom

#newyorkcity #restaurant #politics #hospital #business #smallbusiness