Chris Barish is Chairman of Martini Park, a company he created to fill an unmet need in the national nightlife marketplace. He is credited with building some of the most successful and well-known bar and lounge concepts nation-wide, and is highly experienced in all areas of Operations, Marketing, and Development.
Early in his career, Chris worked in various management positions at Planet Hollywood in both the U.S. and London with a special focus on marketing and branding.
Prior to Martini Park, Chris recognized the need in Manhattan for an upscale midtown lounge with a distinct menu, an extensive cocktail list, good music and inviting energy. Chris developed, branded and operated Light New York in 2000, which quickly became one of the city's most popular destinations.
After the success of Light New York, Chris brought his unique style to Las Vegas to open Light at the Bellagio in December of 2001. This celebrity hot spot is still known as one of the best experiences in nightlife that Vegas has to offer.
One year after the debut of Light Las Vegas, Chris introduced Caramel and Mist, two lounges located in the Bellagio and Treasure Island Hotels. Both Caramel and Mist have become mainstays of the Las Vegas nightlife landscape, known for their extensive specialty martini menus, appetizing light dishes, and stylish design.
In September 2003 Chris sold his interest in these three successful Vegas locations to MGM Mirage Resorts and Casinos to pursue an opportunity to market and co-create the famed ultra-lounge, Marquee, in New York City. Marquee debuted in the trendy Chelsea district in 2004 and went on to realize a profit in its first year of operation. It continues to be one of the top nightclubs in New York.
Chris is a graduate of New York University, Tisch School of the Arts.