Who owns Chippendales now? The Chippendales company is primarily owned by Chippendales USA, LLC. The majority interest in this company is held by two businessmen: Kevin Denberg and Stabile Productions, owned by Kurt Stabile. These two entities partnered in 2007 to acquire Strategic Experiential Group, which brought them the majority ownership of Chippendales.
Their partnership has led the Chippendales brand to perform in over 25 countries and continue to expand their worldwide presence. However, ownership and company structures can change over time, and it is advised to consult updated sources for the latest information on the ownership of Chippendales.
Company History
Chippendales is a touring dance troupe known for its male striptease performances and associated merchandise. The company was founded in 1979 by Somen Banerjee and Bruce Nahin, and it gained widespread popularity in the 1980s with its show primarily intended for female audiences. Here is a brief history of Chippendales, including its ownership changes.
1. Founding by Somen Banerjee and Bruce Nahin (1979):
Somen “Steve” Banerjee, an Indian immigrant, and Bruce Nahin, an attorney and entertainment business manager, co-founded Chippendales in Los Angeles, California. The concept was to build an upscale nightclub geared toward female audiences, featuring attractive male performers.
2. Partnership with Nick De Noia (1981):
In 1981, Emmy Award-winning choreographer Nick De Noia joined Banerjee and Nahin as a partner and helped turn Chippendales into a successful global touring show. This partnership did not last long, as creative and financial differences led to a falling out among the partners.
3. Murder-for-hire plot and Banerjee’s arrest (1994):
In 1994, Banerjee was arrested for attempting to hire hitmen to murder Nick De Noia, who he ultimately succeeded in having killed in 1987, and his former business partners. Banerjee faced multiple charges, including racketeering, conspiracy to commit assault, and arson in connection to Chippendales-related incidents. In 1994, while awaiting trial, Banerjee committed suicide in his jail cell.
4. Chippendales under new ownership (1995-Present):
Following Banerjee’s death, Bruce Nahin relinquished his rights to Chippendales. A new company called the Chippendales Entertainment Group was formed by Michael Silas and Kevin Denberg, who began operating the troupe in the mid-1990s. Silas and Denberg expanded Chippendales into a worldwide entertainment brand with shows in North America, Europe, and Asia.
In 2006, Denberg sold his stake in Chippendales to Michael Silas, who maintained ownership of the company until selling it in 2011 to the European company Matt&Andrej Košič Production, run by Matt Košič and his son Andrej. Under this new ownership, Chippendales has continued to tour globally, with a flagship show at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
In summary, Chippendales has experienced a turbulent ownership history since its founding in 1979. From its first owners, Somen Banerjee and Bruce Nahin, it went through a partnership with Nick De Noia before transitioning to new owners Michael Silas and Kevin Denberg in the mid-1990s. The company is currently owned by the European company Matt&Andrej Košič Production.
Who was the original founder?
Chippendales was originally founded by Somen “Steve” Banerjee in 1979. Banerjee was an Indian-American businessman who was born on October 8, 1946, in Mumbai, India. He came to the United States in the early 1970s to seek better opportunities and initially worked at a gas station in Culver City, California.
In 1976, Banerjee bought a failing Los Angeles nightclub called “Destiny II” and transformed it into a nightclub that featured female mud wrestling and a “Male Exotic Dance Night for Ladies Only.” In 1979, Banerjee partnered with attorney Bruce Nahin and promoter Paul Snider to launch Chippendales, which quickly became a well-known venue at Banerjee’s nightclub. They hired a choreographer and a professional costume designer, and Chippendales eventually expanded to include a male dance troupe’s touring company. The brand became iconic for its bow-tie-wearing, shirtless male dancers and gained immense popularity among women in the 1980s.
Though Chippendales became a successful venture, Banerjee’s life took a dark turn, culminating in his involvement in various criminal activities, including arson, racketeering, and conspiracy to commit murder. He was arrested in 1993 and subsequently pleaded guilty to these charges. On October 23, 1994, while still incarcerated and awaiting sentencing, Banerjee committed suicide in his jail cell.
Today, Chippendales is owned by Chippendales Entertainment LLC and continues to be a popular entertainment brand for bachelorette parties and ladies’ nights out.
Chippendales Legacy and Evolution
Chippendales has seen many ownership changes since its creation in 1979. Despite its tumultuous history, the brand has endured. The company’s ability to adapt and reinvent itself has been key to its longevity. Chippendales has transitioned from a nightclub to a global entertainment brand.
This transformation showcases the importance of innovation and resilience in business. Today, Chippendales remains a popular attraction for many and continues to entertain audiences worldwide. While the company’s past was filled with challenges, its ongoing success highlights the power of perseverance in business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the current owners of Chippendales?
The current owners of Chippendales are a group of investors led by entrepreneur Kevin Denberg and former Chippendales dancer-turned-businessman Bryan Cheatham.
When did the ownership change for Chippendales?
The ownership changed in 2020 when Denberg and Cheatham acquired the brand from the previous owner RCI Hospitality Holdings.
What is the history of Chippendale’s ownership?
Chippendales was founded by Somen Banerjee in 1979. In the 1980s, Banerjee partnered with businessman Nick De Noia. After Banerjee’s legal troubles and subsequent arrest in the 1990s, Chippendales went through multiple ownership changes before being acquired by RCI Hospitality Holdings in 2006. The current ownership change occurred in 2020.
What are the future plans for Chippendales under the new ownership?
Under the new ownership, Chippendales aims to expand its brand reach, exploring new markets as well as launching new live show residencies and international tours. Additionally, the brand looks forward to developing media and digital partnerships to offer engaging content for fans.
How has Chippendales evolved over the years?
Since its inception in 1979, Chippendales has grown from a small club in Los Angeles to a globally recognized brand. Over the years, it has expanded its live show residencies and international tours, catering to a diverse audience and adapting its performances to the ever-changing entertainment landscape.
Sources for More Information
- Chippendales Official Website
- Chippendales – Wikipedia
- Forbes – My life as the owner of Chippendales
- Business Insider – The strange story of the man who founded Chippendales
Featured image provided by Isabella Mendes; Pexels; Thanks!
