Summary: New York continues to serve as a bellwether for the future of hospitality and nightlife in a post COVID environment. The discussion focused on the evolution of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, its advocacy role, and the challenges facing the industry today. The conversation covered shifting consumer behavior, the incorporation of legal cannabis into social settings, and the need for government support to reduce regulatory burdens and encourage innovation. They also highlighted ongoing collaboration among the Hospitality Alliance, the Office of Nightlife, and the Nightlife Advisory Board, as well as efforts to modernize outdated regulations.
NYC Hospitality Alliance Overview: The New York City Hospitality Alliance formed in 2011–2012 through the consolidation of several hospitality groups. Representing restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and related businesses across all five boroughs, the Alliance acts as an industry voice, offering education, events, and policy advocacy. Its independence from state associations allows it to focus exclusively on city specific issues and respond quickly to emerging challenges.
Post COVID Recovery Challenges: New York City's restaurants and nightlife continue to be challenged by changes since COVID, including rising insurance costs, complex employment regulations, and declining tourism driven by global instability and increased competition from other cities. He emphasized the importance of sustained advocacy to address these issues and provide owners with the tools needed to adapt.
Nightlife and Transportation Policy: Serving on multiple city committees and maintaining regular communication with the mayor’s office, Andrew underscored the need for reliable 24/7 public transit and workforce support, including childcare. He reiterated New York’s position as a global leader in nightlife and dining and stressed the importance of policies that strengthen—rather than hinder—these sectors.
Nightlife Governance Structure: The discussion focused on how the Office of Nightlife, the Nightlife Advisory Board, and the Hospitality Alliance function as a “three legged stool” in managing and supporting the city’s nighttime economy. Andrew outlined the responsibilities of each entity and noted his involvement in establishing the Office of Nightlife and chairing the Advisory Board.
Regulatory Evolution: They discussed the historical trajectory of nightlife and alcohol regulations, from post Prohibition restrictions to today’s more supportive framework. While progress has been made through reduced fines and streamlined rules, significant challenges remain, including outdated alcohol regulations. Andrew emphasized the continued need for regulatory modernization, advocacy, and cross city knowledge sharing to foster more vibrant and accessible social spaces.
Andrew Rigie is the Executive Director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, an association serving and representing restaurants and nightlife venues throughout the five boroughs, and the CEO of the Impact Foundation, a charitable organization working to support a thriving, diverse and resilient restaurant and nightlife community by serving emergency meals to people in need, offering culinary scholarships, industry education, training, and more.
Andrew was born into the hospitality business, working at his family’s third generation bakery in Queens, NY. He later “got his apron dirty” by working multiple positions within the industry before joining the New York State Restaurant Association in 2004. There he recruited members, was a grassroots organizer, and provided resources and consulting services to restaurant operators, including its Nightlife Association chapter that represented bars and nightclubs. In 2009, Andrew took the helm of the 80+ year old Association's New York City operations as its Executive Vice President.
Rigie utilized the knowledge he gained working inside the industry and on its behalf, to become the founding executive director who launched the independent New York City Hospitality Alliance in 2012. Since then, The Alliance has grown into a premier organization delivering information, education, services and representing thousands of restaurants and nightlife venues in the halls of government and in the media. With the launch of the Impact Foundation in 2023, Rigie and The Alliance complemented their work and expanded their charitable footprint in significant ways.
In addition to his executive duties, Rigie serves(ed) on many advisory boards ranging from regulation to education. Notably, he is the Chair of New York City’s Office of Nightlife Advisory Board, past Interim Chair and 1st Vice Chair of Community Board 7 (Manhattan), a co-chair of the NYC Department of Small Businesses’Small Business Advisory Commission, the state’s Commissioner to Reform the Alcohol Beverage Control Law, and member of the New York State and New York City COVID-19 recovery committees. He is a vocal industry advocate, public speaker, frequent panelist and moderator, host of the Hospitality & Politics podcast, contributing author to publications, and recognized commentator on local, national and international media platforms. Rigie is a Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40 Honoree, City & State listed him on their New York City Power 100 List, and he is a recipient of Hunter College’s Stars in NYC Food Policy, among other recognitions. Rigie is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan.
