Inside / Kai - Inside has a vision for Toronto's nightlife scene; a vision where the worlds of music, fashion, film and art are showcased in one unique setting. Travis Agresti has created a fusion that brings "music, fashion, and art" full circle. Located in the heart of Toronto's entertainment district at 218 Richmond At. West, this tri level venue provides their clientele with the opportunity to experience four different sounds and atmospheres.
Inside claims to have epitomised the nightclub, and the celebrity clientele, such as Tyra Banks, Vince Carter, Mark Wahlberg, and Nelly Furtado, definitely polishes that image.
After being greeted by a hostess at the door, you are "inside," and 3 levels of well-planned decor, each with its own vibe, await you. The staff are professional and know their cocktails. Don't worry about a little pretention though; it's part of the gig, so enjoy the night because Inside won't disappoint.
THE OWNERS
Travis Agresti
At the age of 23, Travis Agresti is Canada's nightclub phenom ? the owner/operator of the award-winning Inside Entertainment Centre. Located in the heart of Toronto's Entertainment District, Inside has become one of the city's hottest nightspots. A favourite of the famous and the fashionable, Inside knows how to accommodate VIPs. Inside's long guest list includes A-listers such as Prince, Justin Timberlake, Outkast, Robert De Niro and Tyra Banks.
The son of a successful businessman, Agresti has entrepreneurship in his blood. At the early age of 17, he purchased a few old, inexpensive trucks, hired a driver and Trav Transport was born. The successful logistics company specialized in transporting perishable foods. It earned Agresti, an early graduate of York University, enough money to pay for his university education with a little left over to put towards his dream of owning a nightclub.
At 18, Agresti used his charm and networking skills to secure a job in the entertainment industry. As manager of one Toronto's longest-running nightclubs, Fluid Lounge, Agresti learned valuable lessons that laid the foundation for what would be a successful career in the business.
After working in the industry for two years, Agresti was confident that he had the skills required to take-on his own nightclub venture. He also strongly believed that his age was his biggest advantage. After all ? he was his target customer and knew how to cater to its needs.
Armed with a business plan, nightclub managerial experience and lots of determination, the 19-year-old Agresti went on a capital-raising mission. Despite being turned down numerous times, he never lost faith or wavered from his goal. Finally the TD Bank came through with a loan and by age 20, Inside Entertainment Centre opened at 218 Richmond Street, in the heart of Canada's most competitive entertainment district.
Just one year after opening, the industry was impressed when Agresti unveiled Chocolate Lounge, a new addition on the third floor of his building, above Inside. In 2002, Inside was named ?Best New Club? at the Toronto Nightclub Awards.
His next coup was landing NBA superstar Vince Carter as a backer. Then came more accolades when the duo won ?Club Owners of the Year? at the 2003 Toronto Nightclub Awards.
The 2004 saw a big change in the nightclub industry. A smoking ban would unnerve club owners, but not Agresti. What seemed like a challenge was actually a great opportunity to give the club an extreme makeover. The doors closed and by June, Inside was reborn with an even more high-end look and feel, expanded VIP areas and exclusive amenities, state-of-the-art sound and lights and sophisticated ventilation systems. Atop the newly renovated club would be a stunning 3,500 square foot roof-top patio.
The new Inside was christened on June 16, 2004 with a celebrity party that saw guests fly in from places as far away as LA, New York and Miami.
Vince Carter
Vince Carter may be one of the NBA's leading point-getters and most admired players, but few people know that he's as amazing off the court as he is on.
Aside from his achievements in basketball, Carter has also found success in his philanthropic and business pursuits. He co-owns Inside, one of the country's top nightclubs with the club's founder, 23-year old phenom, Travis Agresti. The duo's success in the nightclub business is marked by the club's longevity and industry accolades such as a 2003 Toronto Nightclub Award for Club Owners of the Year.
Community service has always been a priority for Carter. His Embassy of Hope Foundation, supports children's charities in Toronto and his home town of Daytona Beach.
In 2004 Carter shared the honour of donating $75,000 to the United Way of Greater Toronto with three fans. The spring of 2003 saw Carter finance the construction of a regulation-size basketball court valued at more than $130,000 in an underprivileged Toronto neighborhood. In 2002 a gift of $2.5 million dollars supported the construction of the Vince Carter Athletic Center at his alma mater Mainland High School in Daytona Beach Florida. The Vince Carter Charity All-Star Game, now in its fourth year has drawn a sellout crowd each year, setting the record for a NBA-sanctioned charity game. The game has raised hundred's of thousands of dollars for the Embassy of Hope Foundation and its partner children's charities in Toronto.
Education is also a priority of Carter's. His dedication is demonstrated through the achievement of his degree in African-American studies from the University of North Carolina and his efforts to encourage children to focus on academics. Vince's Hoop Group is a program that rewards student achievement, his basketball camps include an educational component and he is also a Goodwill Ambassador for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America.