The New Industry Standard

Just in time for the winter, Industry Bar is ready to open its doors in Hell's Kitchen. The 4,000 square foot space is promising to deliver as one of the most inviting and must-see destinations right in the center of New York City.

The brainchild of Bob Pontarelli and Stephen Heighton, the two established bar impresarios weren't out to reinvent the wheel with Industry, but bring some of their eclectic style and casually-festive design to the vetted industrial space at 355 West 52nd Street - hence the name.

"What's great about Industry is that there are no 'dead ends,'" Pontarelli demonstrates as he begins the sneak peak tour of the space. "You get pulled in and out of every single area." Industry Bar will feature a games room with pool table, a remarkably ornate center piece itself. "The pool area was inspired by the bar scene in Berlin," adds Heighton. With warm and organic hues that complement the rest of the room, bar revelers will find it hard picking a favorite section of the space.

Fortunately, there's enough room to migrate through. Featuring one of New York City's more ample full-service bars, the main room is vast and flanked by video monitors and a set of theater lights that set a ruggedly remarkable tone. The lights work especially well against the multi-colored glass wall that is the backdrop for what is sure to be one of the most coveted bartending slots in the city.

Partygoers seeking a little privacy can lounge in one of the club's roomy booths along the far wall. One of the most attractive advantages of Industry is the luxury couches that are both inviting and suited for comfort. Top that off with a full waiter service staff and it'll be difficult to empty the room after last call.

There's a wonderful attention to detail surrounding Industry Bar, but Pontarelli and Heighton both agreed that they still wanted to maintain the rough and masculine feel of the former garage space in Hell's Kitchen. "We were really conscious about how much room there was and wanted their to be multiple experiences as you move throughout the space," Pontarelli explained as he revealed the performance lounge and it's sprawling stage begging for a number from Burlesque to just happen. The room will also conveniently be able to conceal itself from the main bar during Happy Hour via sliding glass walls to give Industry Bar a cozier feel. "We did want to bring conversations back into people's bar experiences," Pontarelli adds, "give people some room to interact."

But what people will be talking about the most is the next room that Heighton revealed and frankly the coolest feature in Industry Bar's arsenal: Concealed behind a roll down steel gate is a second back bar with "holographic" fireplace for a lofty experience. Modestly illuminated and surrounded by still more comfortable seating, the back bar will be the envy of every VIP-wanna-be.

Not that Pontarelli and Heighton are at all creating a velvet rope situation with their new venture, or concerned with catering specifically to their A-List clientele. "We're providing a space that everyone will be comfortable in. You have to want to be in it," they add, "Industry Bar will be just that."

Industry Bar will make its debut opening on Tuesday, Dec 7. It is located at 355 W. 52nd St. between Eighth and Ninth Avenues and will be open 7 days a week. Thursday nights belong to Queen, a premiere cabaret event that Heighton advised has to be seen to believe.