By Tara Kyle
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Gay nightlife entrepreneurs Bob Pontarelli and Stephen Heighton officially launched their first foray in Hell’s Kitchen this week, with the opening of Industry Bar.
“We’re not bottle service, we’re not a velvet rope place,” Pontarelli said of the 4,000 square foot bar, lounge and performance space, which opened on Tuesday at 355 W. 52nd St. “We try to make things spirited.”
In order to outfit the space, located in a former parking garage, Pontarelli said he scoured architectural reclamation companies from around the world, collecting items one used in schools, factories and convention centers. Furnishings that made the cut include leather Chesterfield sofas and antique Chinese rugs.
Industry Bar marks the fourth collaboration for Pontarelli and Heighton since they opened Crobar in the East Village in 1991, but is their first venue north of 23rd Street. They currently operate Chelsea’s Barracuda lounge and Elmo restaurant.
Industry Bar, which has a capacity of 299, is now open seven days a week, from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m.
