After a successful run that lasted nearly two years, The Imperial Nightclub in New York City closed its doors for good on Monday May, 31st.
Founders of the club John Zaremba, Paul Drohan and Cornelis Craane decided to shut down at the end of their lease because they felt they had “outgrown the space.” But despite shutting down, the guys are very grateful for the love they got from New York City and reflect fondly on the memories that made this venue so popular.
“It was nightlife the way it should be,” said Craane. “Exciting, sexy, fun, one of the best times in clubworld.”
Celebrities frequented this NYC hotspot, known for its killer hip-hop parties (including their Fame & Fortune Fridays bash which was just recently featured on our list of the top hip-hop parties in New York City). Past celebrity sightings at The Imperial included Jay-Z, Swiss Beatz, Busta Rhymes, Wu Tang Clan, Slick Rick, Funkmaster Flex, Jim Jones, Fabolous, Maino, Akon, Omarion, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Juelz Santana, Q Tip, Rick Ross, The Dream, Cassie, Puffy and Ray J.
“Since opening night The Imperial instantaneously became ‘celebrity central’ for the New York music scene,” said Drohan. Even the popular Hot 97 DJ Bobby Trends established a much talked about Friday night radio show at The Imperial that was phenomenal.
So what’s next for Drohan and Craane? From what we’ve heard, Drohan is looking forward to new Manhattan projects – a high concept luxury club and restaurant in one location and an “all new Imperial” in the other. Craane, on the other hand, will be traveling to China to open an underground club in Shanghai. The club is expected to open in 2011 and will be, according to Craane, “fifth dimensional.”
It’s always sad to see a club go, but we can’t wait to see what will come of these new projects. Check out some pictures of the imperial below...
