Inside NYC’s Maxwell Social club, where members pay $12K to drink their own booze and cook dinner
Introducing Maxwell Social: A Unique Members-Only Club in Tribeca
Maxwell Social is making waves in the world of private clubs with its innovative approach to luxury and community. Located in the heart of Tribeca, this new members-only club offers a refreshing alternative to traditional high-end establishments like Soho House or Zero Bond. At Maxwell Social, members will have the opportunity to cook their own meals, mix their own drinks, and entertain each other, fostering a sense of camaraderie and breaking down social barriers.
Unlike its competitors, Maxwell Social aims to minimize staff presence, with just five employees handling basic tasks such as club entry, security, bottle restocking, and bartending assistance when needed. The club’s founders believe that this approach will result in a more genuine and welcoming atmosphere, where members can truly connect with one another.
Membership at Maxwell Social comes at a price, with entry fees ranging from $7,000 to $12,000. For this cost, members gain access to a private four or eight-bottle liquor locker and the opportunity to use the club’s communal spaces. Monthly dues of $250 are also required, and members receive a certain number of guest passes based on their chosen plan. While these prices may seem steep compared to other private clubs, Maxwell Social aims to offer a unique and authentic experience that is worth every penny.
One of the club’s co-founders, David Litwak, argues that the value of Maxwell Social lies in its focus on community rather than lavish amenities. He compares the experience to staying in a French chateau Airbnb rather than a standard rental, highlighting the distinctive luxury that comes from being part of a tight-knit community.
Despite the higher cost and limited amenities, Maxwell Social is confident that its concept will resonate with prospective members. The club is located in one of the most expensive zip codes in New York City, and its founders believe that the unique atmosphere and strong sense of community make it an invaluable investment.
Investors also see great potential in Maxwell Social, with initial backers including Victoria’s Secret CEO Martin Waters and former Peloton instructor Chase Tucker. The club’s leadership team aims to create an efficient and profitable business model, utilizing a landmarked property in a side street location, bringing down costs while maintaining a high-class experience.
Building a community is a priority for Maxwell Social, and prospective members must go through a strict vetting process, including two interviews and attending at least one event, to ensure they align with the club’s values. The goal is to create a diverse community that encompasses various fields, including art, academia, politics, and more.
While still in its early stages, Maxwell Social has already hosted successful events, such as a political fundraiser for Sen. Chris Murphy and a star-studded party for Creative Artists Agency. These events showcase the club’s commitment to fostering connections and creating memorable experiences for its members.
Looking toward the future, Maxwell Social plans to expand its membership while also exploring unique funding opportunities. The club’s co-founders are considering offering digital “equity bonds” to members, which would accrue value as demand for membership slots grows. This innovative approach allows members to potentially redeem their initial entry fee at a later date.
Maxwell Social is redefining what it means to be a luxury private club. With its focus on community, unique member experience, and potential for long-term investment, it is poised to become a prominent player in the exclusive club scene.
FAQs:
1. How much does it cost to join Maxwell Social?
– The entry fees for Maxwell Social range from $7,000 to $12,000, depending on the chosen membership plan.
2. What amenities are offered at Maxwell Social?
– While Maxwell Social does not have traditional amenities like spas or restaurants with waitstaff, it provides members with access to communal cooking areas, a grand kitchen decked out with copper pots and pans, and the opportunity to mix their own drinks.
3. How many members does Maxwell Social plan to have?
– Maxwell Social aims to have approximately 700 members.
4. How does the vetting process work for prospective members?
– Prospective members are required to go through two interviews and attend at least one event to ensure compatibility with the club’s values and community.
5. Are there any investment opportunities for members?
– Maxwell Social plans to offer digital “equity bonds” to members, allowing them to potentially redeem their initial entry fee at a later date.
6. Who are some notable investors in Maxwell Social?
– Initial backers of Maxwell Social include Victoria’s Secret CEO Martin Waters, former Peloton instructor Chase Tucker, and prominent tech-focused investors Josh Koppelman, Gil Penchina, and Balaji Srinivasan.
7. What sets Maxwell Social apart from other private clubs?
– Maxwell Social distinguishes itself by prioritizing community and a unique member experience over traditional high-end amenities. The club aims to foster genuine connections among its diverse membership base.
Members of NYC’s Maxwell Social Club pay $12K to enjoy exclusive perks: bring-your-own-booze and cook dinners!
Introducing Maxwell Social, the new members-only club in the upscale Tribeca neighborhood that is redefining luxury with its unique approach. Unlike its posh counterparts like Soho House or Zero Bond, Maxwell Social offers a different kind of experience. Members can expect to roll up their sleeves and take on tasks like cooking their own dinner, mixing their own drinks, and entertaining each other. It’s a refreshing departure from the traditional white-glove service found at other private clubs.
David Litwak, a 35-year-old tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Maxwell Social, described the concept as breaking down barriers between people of different social statuses. He explained, “There’s a beautiful thing when someone walks in and says ‘how can I help?’ and starts cutting zucchini. It breaks down all barriers between the higher-status people and the lower-status people.”
Opening its doors on Thursday at 135 Watts St., Maxwell Social bills itself as a “basement man cave/she shack.” The club intends to keep staffing to a minimum, with just five employees handling basic tasks like club entry, security, bottle restocking, upkeep, and bartending assistance if needed. Maxwell Social plans to have approximately 700 members.
Maxwell Social believes that its blank-canvas approach will attract individuals tired of the sterile experience offered by other private clubs. However, the cost of entry may come as a shock. Members must pay $7,000 for access to a private four-bottle liquor locker or $12,000 for a larger eight-bottle locker, which serves as the standard price of admission. Alternatively, candidates can opt for the more affordable $2,500 “scholarship tier” membership, providing entry to a communal storage area. In addition to the membership fee, members pay $250 in monthly dues and receive a certain number of guest passes based on their plan.
Despite the higher prices and lack of amenities compared to its well-known and less expensive rivals, Maxwell Social is confident that potential members will understand and appreciate the value it offers. David Litwak argues, “No one thinks you’re slumming it in an Airbnb if it’s a French chateau Airbnb that you happen to be cooking your eggs in. People understand this is a different type of luxury.”
Keeping community at the forefront, Maxwell’s leadership team is convinced their concept will attract investors. Initial backers include Victoria’s Secret CEO Martin Waters, former Peloton instructor Chase Tucker, and prominent tech-focused investors Josh Koppelman, Gil Penchina, and Balaji Srinivasan.
Maxwell Social is housed in a landmarked building on a side street, previously occupied by the now-closed restaurant China Blue. By repurposing a basement that was once used for dumpling storage, the club aimed to decrease fixed costs. David Litwak emphasized the importance of reducing fixed costs to create an efficient and accessible community space.
Although there are skeptics who doubt Maxwell Social’s ability to rapidly attract 700 members, the club’s strict vetting process and focus on diversity contribute to its confidence. Prospective candidates must undergo two interviews and attend at least one event to ensure they align with the community’s values.
Maxwell Social plans to generate additional revenue through its event rental business while memberships continue to grow. The club has recently hosted a political fundraising event for Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and a star-studded party for Creative Artists Agency, featuring appearances by actor Brendan Fraser and Bravo’s Andy Cohen.
To secure funding for operations and future expansion, Maxwell’s co-founders are presenting membership as a long-term investment opportunity. They plan to offer digital “equity bonds,” which would accrue value as demand for membership slots increases and can be traded on the blockchain. Essentially, members would be able to redeem their initial entry fee at a later date, provided there is a buyer.
Maxwell Social’s unique approach and emphasis on community have attracted individuals like Peter Niehaus, a member and investor, who appreciate the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Niehaus expressed his support for the club’s focus on genuine relationships, stating, “There are a lot of social clubs out there where the members don’t actually know each other.”
In summary, Maxwell Social is reimagining the members-only club experience by fostering a sense of community and offering a hands-on approach. While its prices may be higher and amenities may be limited compared to competitors, Maxwell Social believes its unique concept and location in the affluent Tribeca neighborhood make it a priceless experience.