Gino LoPinto has come a long way from the nightclub owner that he was in Las Vegas to becoming part of an ever-expanding hospitality and entertainment group called E11EVEN in Miami today. The New York-born entrepreneur thrived as a nightclub owner, turning Utopia, Metropolis, Empire, and Glo into one of the go-to places in Las Vegas during their heydays. He also managed to transform the Spearmint Rhino Las Vegas from a failing business into one of the most successful gentlemen’s clubs in the world. Undeniably, Gino has the unique ability to spot what really drives clients when it comes to their hospitality and entertainment expectations. Eventually becoming part of E11EVEN proved to be a very rewarding move for him and his family.
Gino’s passion for the hospitality and entertainment businesses started when he worked for his godfather’s speakeasy, Gianni Russo’s State Street. That event in his life influenced him to later establish his own nightclub. But just like all businesses, there are risks involved. Between 2008 and 2010, Gino lost everything in the financial crisis and housing collapse that hit the United States.
Three years later, just when he thought he could never recover what he had lost, his good friend Dennis DeGori gave him a call and invited him to visit him in Miami. Dennis is one of the eight members of the Gentlemen’s Club Hall of Fame, and its members are widely known as the best club operators across the world. Gino went to Miami to sit down with Dennis, who had a remarkable concept that would completely revolutionize the nightlife business. While the concept sounded very promising for Gino, he simply could not see himself migrating to Miami and leaving his wife and three children. Simply put, he turned down Denni’s initial proposal.
But Dennis was relentless. Gino did two more trips to Miami and declined his good friend’s offer twice more before Dennis finally gave him his final offer—they would become business partners. Gino stepped out of his comfort zone and grabbed the opportunity. It was then that E11EVEN was developed, a lifestyle brand with the highest revenue per square feet among all nightclubs around the country.
“Hospitality is a very tough industry. Particularly nightlife as the public is always looking for the newest next best thing. To keep things fresh and forward-thinking is always the biggest challenge that’s in front of you. The highs have been very high and the struggles very low. Dennis and E11EVEN have changed my life not to mention my wife, Yvonne, and three children Gino Jr., Gianna, and Maria love Miami,” Gino shared.
At present, Gino is Dennis’ operating partner for his business 11USA, an all-star team with more than 100 years of combined experience in the hospitality and nightlife businesses. Joining them as partners are Daniel Solomon, Ken DeGori, Frances Martin, and Derrick Henry. E11EVEN is also getting ready to diversify and go into clothing, establishing a music label, and spirits in the future.
The E11EVEN club is one of the hottest party places in Miami today and has entertained their clients with exciting performances by Drake, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Halsey, G-Eazy, and Ludacris, to mention a few. They also get a lot of VIP guests, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Odell Beckham Jr., Justin Bieber, and Derek Jeter.
From March 23 to 27, the club will hold the E11EVEN Miami Music Week 2022 and will feature exciting personalities, including sought-after DJs in the entertainment industry. Having transformed the club into a thriving and rising lifestyle brand, there is no doubt that Gino and the rest of his partners will successfully expand the business to give their clients a phenomenal experience.
