04/08/2023
The Panther Club residency at Club Tee Gee has come to an end.
The GM reached out to me last week to reluctantly explain that after looking at my recent sales numbers and talking with the owners, he had decided to replace Panther with another night he believed would be more popular and generate more sales. This was surprising to me to say the least.
In 2018, 4 months after Club Tee Gee had been beautifully redone and reopened by new owners, The Panther Club moved in, previously held at Sassafras, and immediately became their must successful Saturday night dance party. Each exciting club felt like a celebration of the coming together of two high quality aesthetics of both Panther & Tee Gee. Additionally, we were proud to bring in a sharper dressed, sophisticated cocktail party clientele that naturally aligned and fit with Club Tee Gee’s sparkling renovation. To me, Panther Club truly complimented the venue.
In the beginning of 2022, I experienced two slower months. Due to the pandemic, I’ve really noticed unpredictable social changes in LA night life. I applied myself even more to promote and expand our audience which in turn generated higher sales numbers on Panther nights for Tee Gee than in previous years. Until last week’s conversation, I was not aware Tee Gee’s other Saturday night clubs have recently been out performing Panther by nearly two fold, achieving unbelievable record breaking sales and attendance. Club Tee Gee has become extremely popular amongst a more trendy crowd in the last 6 months. I have seen many from this crowd come to Panther and have a great time.
It’s sad to see Panther separate from a venue that has worked so well and in several ways but it’s become evident this decision to go in a new direction no longer recognizes that perfect fit that I once believed in.
This isn’t the end of Panther Club, I’ll keep an eye out for a venue that ticks as many boxes as Tee Gee, but I’ll be focusing all my attention on Constellation Club at the Formosa so please follow and throw all your Panther support that way. You never know when a cool thing will unexpectedly be gone.
I’d like to recognize Justin Oliver throughout our years doing Panther together as a supportive partner, for his unwavering positive attitude and a great counterbalance to my overly focused attention to significant and insignificant details... “It’ll be fine Curtis, no one will notice.”
One of the most important elements of Panther at Tee Gee would have to be the amazing staff, which felt more like a loving family. Cheers to all of the incredible nights together and your amazing support: Mischa Hester, Trevor James Kelly, Efrain Bermudez, Lindsey Voorhees, Rob Talley, JJ, Blake Lepe, Bobby Avila and Angel.
Last but not least, cheers to our incredible sponsors that backed Panther and helped bring amazing cocktails to all of you!
Victoria Canty, Eliott Montero, Joshua Lucas Joshua Jancewicz and Naomi Schimek.
Very sorry everyone, but moreover, thank you for making the last 4 years unforgettable!
Please follow and attend
