Go-Getter: Owner, @TonyKhuu, Solidifies @VainOrlando as Top 100 Nightclubs in U.S.

Fabolous & Tony Khuu

I, Abner,  had the pleasure of interviewing my fellow University of Central Florida (UCF) alumni Tony Khuu, one of the owners of VAIN Nightclub in Orlando, FL. In 2013, Nightclub.com ranked Vain as one of the Top 100 nightclubs in the US, the first time any club in Orlando has made the list.

Tony started Powerhouse Events Marketing & Promotions (Powerhouse E.M.P.) with Johnathan “Kocky” Hamilton in 2005 to help put their own stamp in the nightlife industry. With the success of Powerhouse, Tony and Johnathan also started Khuu Hamilton Enterprises Entertainment & Promotions (K.H.E.E.P.). K.H.E.E.P. has grown into a brand that specializes in throwing distinct events with a purpose and vision. If you visit or live in Orlando, be sure to check out Orlando’s largest club. VAIN is the nightlife experience you been waiting for.

How long have you been in the business and were you a Business major at University of Central Florida?

Tony:  I have been in the promotions and marketing business since 2002. On the ownership side, I am in my third year.  I went to UCF for Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing.

How did it feel to see Vain Night Club make the 2013 Top 100 Clubs in the United States?

Tony: It felt great, especially being that we are the first club North of South Florida to make the list.   It’s a blessing to see the growth of Vain Nightclub over the years from the first day it opened.

Tony Khuu & DeRay Davis (comedian/actor)

What do you feel separates your club from others?

Tony: Orlando is a melting pop, and VAIN NIGHT CLUB is ORLANDO!  Every night is a different experience that appeals to all walks of life.  VAIN alone is a melting pot. It’s diverse and caters to everyone of all nationalities.  Tuesday is Latin, Wednesday is Urban Hip Hop, Thursday is College Mainstream Hip Hop, Friday is EDM and House Music, and Saturday is Open Format Top 40.

What are the pros and cons of being a owner?

Tony: Being in the industry there is a lot of good and bad.  Being an owner you are put under a microscope from everyone.  For example, when you become successful or get into a new situation in life people will assume that you have changed and want to categorize you as “Hollywood”.  Why would anyone want to do the same things that they did in college?  Why would you as a professional want to run in circles and do the same things over and over again, that is INSANE!  It is natural that with success you may do things differently, and move a certain way, which is not necessarily bad thing, because you are GROWING as a person. 

What the public fails to realize is that, the way the people around view you in your new position and that perception has changed!  My partners and I have pretty much the same circle of friends since college.  Instead of drinking every night, we like to stay sober so we can wake up because we have 100+ employees that relay on the place to be packed and to be ran properly.   It’s good when its good, and its bad when its bad.   I love what I do. I’m passionate about it and we feel we are built for it, and just have to take it all within stride.  In life you just have to find balance in all you do.  Balance work and your personal life, too much of ANYTHING is NEVER good for you.

Why is it difficult for most clubs to stay open after 4 or 5 years?

Tony: It’s difficult because most club nights (and clubs in general) last about 3-5 years assuming everything stays the same.  Eventually, the public will get bored and will look for something new. That is natural.  There is an advantage in being in small markets because not many new venues pop up like places like Vegas and Miami; not until recently here in Orlando at least.  There was a run before the last 2-3 years ,there were no new venues.  As owners and promoters get older, their lives evolve so sometimes they may not be in touch with what the trends are and what is hip.

What’s the most important aspect of the nightclub experience?

Tony: The customers…making sure they are having a good time and are pleased.  When that is accomplished, you will get repeat business. There is a reason it is called hospitality.

How can readers keep up with you and Vain Night Club through websites (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.) ?

Twitter/IG: @VAINORLANDO and facebook.com/VainTheNightClub
Twitter/IG: @TONYKHUU and facebook.com/khuuandcompany