Welcome to THEJNSREPORT’S: GYM Sports Bar: A Decade Retrospective Pt. 2
Press Play 😀 Continuing where we left off here’s part 2 of my interviews with the staff at GYM.
Jeremy:
Q: How long have you been an employee at GYM Sports Bar?
A: Two years!
Q: How did you come to work there?
A: I met Paul Green through a friend.
Q:What’s it like to work for Rick Schmutzler?
A: Working for Rick has been great. One of the best bosses that I’ve worked for.
Q: What difference if any do you see between GYM and it’s competitors?
A: It’s an actual Sportsbar where people watch sports. Also, other gay bars tend to rely on gimmicks to pull in a crowd.
Q: If you didn’t work there would you patronize GYM?
A: Absolutely
Q: What’s a favorite moment or two you’ve experienced at GYM?
A: Seeing Huck from Scandal down in the locker room.
Stevin B.C:
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Juan:
Q: How long have you worked at GYM Sports Bar?
A: Since day one… Worked security the day we opened…Worked my way up to bartender/manager
Q: What was it about the bar that drew you to work there?
Play rugby and had started bartending a couple of months earlier… The Stars were aligned…
Q: How did you become a bartender at Gym?
A: When I was hired all bartender slots had been filled already. One day two bartenders called in sick while I was at the door and we were slammed. A manager knew I knew how to bartend and threw me behind the bar! I covered the two shifts that day and the manager told the owner he needed to make me a bartender stat.
A: What’s a favorite moment you’ve had while working at Gym?
I’ve met some of the coolest people from all over the world and months later I’ve broken bread or have had a beer w them in places like Berlin, Melbourne, or Buenos Aires!
Q: What makes GYM different than most sportsbars?
A: It’s very easy going… You can come in and just be you. You can come and watch sports, watch boys, or listen to some pretty sick beats our DJs play…
Q: If you didn’t work at Gym would you patronize it?
A: Most definitely
Q: What’s it like to work for Rick Schmutzler?
A:When I was in college I never thought I’d be working for a “gay business” or a gay employer. It’s kind of kick ass!!
Q: Where do you see Gym 10 years from now?
A: I see us all over the U.S. !!!
Kieran:
Q: How long have you worked at GYM Sports Bar and why have you stayed an employee?
A: I have been working at GYM Sportsbar for over 9 years now. I have stayed for so long because it is a great place to work at. Everyone involved in the company from the top down to the bottom are great to be around and great to work with. A lot of staff call us a family and I guess we are the GYM Bar family. Some staff even refer to one of our owners as Mama.
Q: How did you come to work there?
A: I moved to New York from Australia to play Rugby and needed work. A couple of guys from my rugby team work at the bar, so they got me a job as a doorman when I first moved here.
Q: What’s a favorite moment or two you’ve had while working there?
A: I really enjoy our staff parties because we very rarely get to all hang out together because of our line of work (working nights). The parties are always a lot of fun. We have some great moments at the bar while working. One of my favorite moments was when Barack Obama won his first election.
The euphoria that swept through the bar was immense. It was an amazing moment. There have also been some good sporting moments. I was not at the bar when the Giants won their 2 recent SuperBowls, but I was there when they beat Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship in 2008. As a huge Giants fan, that was pretty special. The anniversary parties are also a lot of fun.
We have a great base of regualr customers who have been coming to the bar for years, some since we first opened our doors. The anniversary parties are a good chance to see these customers, show them our appreciation and take a look back and remember the great times we’ve had.eded work. A couple of guys from my rugby team work at the bar, so they got me a job as a doorman when I first moved to here.
Q: How does GYM compare to other sportsbars you’ve encountered?
A: I go to a lot of Sports Bars, but GYM is very unique. The majority of the staff are very familiar with sports and can have a conversation about them. We have a great friendly relationship with a lot of our regular customers who are huge sports fans and even hand out with them to watch their teams play and sometimes go to games with them.
I have also noticed that the majority of staff including managers and owners have played a lot of sports and were actually quite good. We have guys who have worked and currently work at the bar that have played Division 1 College Basketball, Minor League Baseball, High School Football, Rugby and a variety of other sports. I bet that if we had some form of athletic competition against any other bar in the city, gay or straight, we would win. We have some very good athletes on our staff.
Combine our knowledge of sports and the fact that we have athletes on our staff with the relationship that we have with our customer base and you can see that GYM Sportsbar is very unique. I don’t think you could find another place like it.
Q: What’s it like to work for the owners of GYM Sports Bar?
A: Like I said earlier, everyone from the top down to the bottom are great to work with. The owners are very good at selecting staff and really trust their staff to do their job. They don’t micro manage and allow us to be ourselves. The atmosphere they have created is something I have never seen at any place I have worked.
Everyone understands that we are a team and we work hard to ensure the success of the business because if the business succeeds, we all succeed. It is a testament to the owners and management that over half of our staff have been working at the bar for over 5 years. I think there is about 5 or 6 guys that have been working here since we first opened. That alone tells you it is a great place to work at.
Q: How has GYM changed from your first year there to it’s 10th year?
A: The bar is run in a much more efficient and effective manner, but I guess that goes with experience. I have noticed that we have a lot more people watching the games now that in previous years.
Q: Where do you see GYM in the next 10 years?
A: I see GYM being just as successful in 10 years as it is now. The neighborhood has been going through some changes in recent years, but the bar is just as successful as ever. The owners and managers understand a winning formula and have stuck to it, making tweaks when necessary. With the owners, staff and loyal customers we have, I see the bar remaining an icon in Chelsea for many years to come.
Serge:
Q: How long have you been an employee at GYM Sports Bar?
A: It will be 2 years this coming November
Q: How did you come to work there?
A: I met Juan and he told me that there was an opening and I applied
Q: What’s a favorite moment or two you’ve had while working there?
A: The Soccer Game between Belgium and USA during the World Cup. I was the only Belgian in the place and even though we beat the shit out of the Americans all the customers remained very friendly and congratulated me. My second favorite moment is when Rick offered me the Bartending shift on Saturday in The Locker Room. I felt extremely lucky to have my own bar in Chelsea Manhattan!!!
Q: Do you have a favorite drink or shot you like to make?
A: I love making shots, mixing different alcohols and recreating flavors. My favorites are the citrus flavors, peach, coconut, & Baileys.
Q: What makes GYM different than any other bar you’ve been to?
A: The atmosphere is extremely friendly. The strong core of regulars makes it a very nice and enjoyable place to work in.
Q: Where do you see GYM in the next 10 years?
A: I would love to open my own GYM Bar. After GYM Bar NYC, LA, and Fort Lauderdale, why not GYM Bar SF or Chicago or Palm Springs?
Vince:
It’s hard for me to remember. I believe I started 7 years ago. I left for 2 and a half years but then I came back again. I stayed as an employee for so long because the money was great. The crew is so much fun. Actually my first couple of years the employees were really close friends. We became sort of a family.
My close friend Paul was working there. At the time I was working for blue water grill in Union square and I hated working there. Gym bar needed a seasonal coat check person and Paul recommended me.
There are so many memories. Some of the customers (not the regulars) have been quite comical. Having to kick people out who were a problem was something I’d never thought I would have to do. But most of all my favorite memory is the trip to the Pocono’s. The Management wanted to thank us all for our hard work through out the holiday season. So they rented a house in the Pocono’s and drove us all there for two days of fun.
To be honest I haven’t had to much experience with other sports bars. I actually wasn’t a sports fan before I started working for Gym Bar.
They are an awesome group of guys. They welcomed me back when I left for a couple years for another job. It was like coming home.
I used to come to the bar before I started working there. I had made friends with the staff. I think I would.
I think the biggest change would be the staff. The bar doesn’t see a big turn around in staff. Most of us stay for such a long period of time because we are having such a good time. Also, our beer selection has almost doubled as well as our liquor selection. Plus we have twice as many televisions as we had when we started. Also, when I started there, the locker room hadn’t opened.
I honestly see it going just as strong as ever. Our regulars are super loyal. Through the years other gay sports bars have tried to compete. We always have to worry when something new comes in. But as always the regulars stick around and the costumers come back knowing that the drink prices/specials are the best and the staff is super friendly. GYM bar has a tendency to hire some awesome personalities in the staff. There is something for everyone at this bar. |
Kyle:
I started working in February, I’ve stayed on due to the great employees and environment that GYM bar fosters.
I had become friends with a few of the employees before I started, and when the opportunity came up to work with them, I took advantage of it.
My favorite moment would be the crowd on saint Patrick’s day.
It is similar to others in drawing in the different groups of sports fans, but unique in drawing in everyone else- sports fans, athletes, non athletes: everyone is welcome.
They are great leaders who care so much about bettering the lgbt community. They do an amazing job at creating a welcoming environment for all groups of people at the bar. I’m still in my first year- but the expansion they have had and business success is due to the inclusive environment they create.
Expanding! More locations across the country, and getting more involved in the sports community for LGBT athletes and allies. |
Steve B:
Q: how long have you worked at GYM Sports Bar?
A: I have worked at GYM bar for 5 1/2 yrs now.
Q: How did you come to work at GYM?
A: I wouldn’t consider myself a regular customer before I started working there, but I would occasionally stop in for a drink to watch the game and Collin was my bartender. When I got laid off from DHL in 2009, Collin knew I was out of work, and I happened to be in the right place at the right time when someone just got fired and Collin asked me if I was still looking for a job, and well the rest is history.
Q: Do you have any memorable customer moments that stick with you since you’ve been there?
A: Well working security and sitting at the door all night, my job is tor pretty much just watch everybody and observe behavior for the most part, and of course I’m kinda like the “police”. I’m the one who has to ask people to leave when necessary. I do remember one night when I had to ask someone to leave, and they wouldn’t leave, the regulars that were there one night were noticing my attempt to get this guy out and he wouldn’t leave and was kinda challenging me to get physical.
Literally I had 3 customers backing me up and telling thsi guy “get out” or you are gonna have to deal with all of us and not just me. When that happened I knew that I had an extended family.
Q: What’s a favorite or special moment or two you’ve had at GYM?
A: I think my 2 favorite moments were actually outside the bar but I was with staff. One was when Rick took us all to Fire Island for a few days, we kinda bonded. It was Rick, myself, Collin, and Juan and we made a trip thru the “Meat Rack” on our way to
Cherry Grove and we all got hammered, and when it was time to head back to the house in the Pines, there were no water taxi cabs that late so we had to walk the beach all the way back in pitch dark. A few of us, ( I won’t mention names) cut thru someone’s million dollar home in the middle of the night, which is kinda trespassing but whatever, it was dark and we couldn’t see. When we got back to the house at like 4am we started grilling burgers…that was kinda cool.
Q: What do you like most about working at GYM?
A: I think GYM Bar is like a family. Seems like it’s always the same customers int he same spot on the same day, and wherever you turn there is a familiar face, which kinda makes you feel comfortable. It’s sorta like the gay community’s “home base”. It’s also a very accepting bar to all shapes and sizes and of course personalities.
Q: What’s it like working for Rick Schmutzler?
A: To me Rick is the best boss I’ve had. He cares a lot about his business and wants it to scuceed of course, but Rick is also a people person. I’ve talked to him on a few accounts about my personal life and he always has good advice for me, not only as my boss but I think Rick considers us more than just employees, we are family…he is like our “daddy” or “mama”.
Q: What’s the biggest difference you notice between GYM and other bars you’ve been to?
A: I don’t go much to other gay bars, but as a native NYer, I’ve been to most bars and clubs, and GYM bar like I mentioned is the non Chelsea bar in Chelsea. There is no pretense, nor judgement about the place. You can walk in by yourself and feel comfortable assuming you will know someone there. Lots of gay bars in NYC don’t present themselves like that.
Q: Where do you see GYM in the next 10 years?
A: Hopefully at 167 8th Ave with the same friendly staff.
Cayle, Serge, Jose, Gregory, Eric H (Gym Sports Bar Staff)
Cayle:
Q: How long have you been at GYMSPORTSBAR?
A: I’ve been with the bar since January 2011. So 4 years.
Q: How did you come to work there?
A: Back in the day, I had a friend who worked at the bar. He’d always talk to me about how incredible his co-workers were and how active and rewarding the experience was. So I was always wickedly envious of him. In my job search after college, I decided to give them my resume and promised myself the gig would be mine. Unfortunately, I never heard back from them. So I ended up settling for a typical terrible New York job that vampired away at my tender soul every day for the next 5 months. Then one morning I discovered an old voice message I’d missed. It turns out the bar had called a while back asking me to come in for an interview. Luckily I wasn’t too late, and I started working there the next week.
Q: What’s a favorite moment or two you’ve had while working there?
A: I don’t know about any moments specifically, but one of my favorite components of the job has always been the “people-watching”. I suppose part of the point of a bar is to be able to look around. The difference is, I get paid to do it! And I’ve had my mind blown; people are fascinating! My favorite takeaway? No matter who you are, you are someone’s type, so rest easy and come as you are.
Q: Do you have a favorite drink or shot?
A: I sure get a kick out of a red-wine spritzer.
Q: What difference if any do you notice between GYM and it’s competition?
A: GYMSPORTSBAR is literally the only bar I’ve been at in the past 2 years, so I can’t speak in contrast to anywhere else. But GYM has always been about creating a welcoming, warm-hearted atmosphere that I think originates in the genuinely friendly attitudes of the staff and regular patrons, who in turn pass it onto their friends and everyone else who joins us for a drink. Of course there’s a strong sports presence, and it definitely attracts fans and athletes alike. But even that is merely the backbone to a broader diversity of fun characters all looking for a cool place to hang out. It’s intimate, there’s no pretense, and I think everyone notices the good company that thrives here.
Q: What’s it like to work for Rick Schmutzler?
A: Rick is great. The staff here is a family, and Rick is definitely at the head of it. We get our deserved share of tough-love, but there’s so much mutual respect and appreciation, I think it motivates us all to work so well as team. We really do care about the work we do together.
Q: Where do you see GYM in 10 yrs?
A: Hopefully still right here on 8th Avenue & 18th Street in Chelsea.
Jose:
Q: How long have you been an employee at GYM Sports bar?
A: Going on 4 years this summer
Q: How did you come to work there and why have you stayed a member of the staff?
A: Some of my rugby teammates have worked at Gym Sports Bar since it opened and one of them brought me on board when I was looking for some weekend work.
Q: What’s a favorite moment or two you’ve had while working there?
Q: What’s the biggest difference you notice about GYM that separates it from it’s competitors?
Ty:
Q: How long have you worked at GYM Sports Bar?
A: Off and on, for 10 years. I worked security opening night.
Q: How did you come to work there?
A: I reconnected with Rick in New York after knowing him for years in Chicago during the planning stages of GYM. To me, it was the perfect opportunity to meet people who shared my interest in sports.
Q: What’s a favorite moment or two you’ve had there?
A: There’s so many to choose from! I would have to say opening night. The energy was great!
Q: What’s it like to work for Rick Schmutzler?
A: Rick is a great boss! He’s fair, compassionate, and isn’t afraid to jump in and help when and wherever it’s needed.
Q: What’s your favorite sport?
A: I like football, baseball, and volleyball, but basketball is definitely my favorite.
Q: What’s different about GYM that separates it from its competitors?
A: I think that 2 things separate GYM from other bars. First, its the patrons. There’s people of all ages and walks of life that have liked coming here for 10 years. And secondly, the staff is full of great people who care about customer service.
Q: Where do you see GYM in the next 10 years?
A: In 10 years, I think GYM will still be going strong, leaving its mark as a great supporter of the LGBT community. I’m happy to say that I had a small part in that.
Eric Courage:
Q: How long have you been at GYM Sports Bar?
A: I was hired a month prior to opening to help with the front of house install. So over 10 years now
Q: How did you come to work at GYM Sports Bar and what keeps you there?
A: I had just moved to NYC from San Diego where I had been managing a long running bar for 14 years (that I opened with as well ) Rich’s nightclub. When I moved here I took a job at splash NYC were I met a good friend of the guy’s opening GYM Bar and suggested I meet them. We clicked and the rest is history lol
Q: What’s a favorite or special moment or two you’ve had at GYM?
A: There’s been so many moments really, I remember opening night and it being one of those crazy magical nights were right then I knew we had a success ! The smiles I get everytime a regular or even a out of town guest gives me after spending a few hours with us. Halloween is always a blast And of course the staff, we’re a family.
Q: Do you have a favorite drink or specialty shot that you love to make?
A: I’m kinda known for my margarita. Strong and tasty.
Q: What’s the biggest difference between GYM and other bars you’ve worked at and/or its competitors?
A: Truly an all welcoming environment A complete cross section of diversity that is sadly missing in most bars. Also we really are a true sports bar.
Q: Where do you see GYM in the next 10 years?
A: Right where it is…not going anywhere 😄. Maybe a few more scattered across the globe. Lol
Q: Where do you see RockBar in the next 10 years?
London Tokyo Paris and Moscow ( after vladimar Putin is gone) world domination xxx
Thanks to all of the GYM Sports Bar Staff for sharing their experiences and giving us this opportunity to get a glimpse at the special people that help make up and embody this iconic Sports bar. Shout out to GYM Sports Bar.
This has been GYM Sports Bar: A Decade Retrospective Pt. 2 by THEJNSREPORT.
All images are the property of http://www.thejnsreport.com (c) 2015.
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