Gerald Zamora was kind enough to let ABQ-Live the Magazine hang out in his newest creation, Posh Nightclub. He allowed us to snoop around, ask him a few questions, and take some images. Even the weird ones, like the dude wearing racing gear on the contents page.
Interview by: Josh VanLandingham | Photography: Kori Kobayashi
What does it mean to be located in the heart of downtown? And what will Posh bring to downtown that isn’t already there?
GZ: It’s really about being on the ground level of the rebirth of a historic area. We hope to raise the bar on the type entertainment and atmosphere in all of Albuquerque.
I remember Sauce and Raw, but does the building have a long history of other clubs and businesses?
GZ: Yes, the top club in the state resided there for almost 12 years. Sauce and Raw was truly a trendsetter and still influences the way clubs in Albuquerque work today.
What sort of food will be served there?
GZ: Food service will not begin until mid November, just so that we can refine our service and make sure we are happy with a quality product. But, when we do, you will find a small menu with Tapa like items with a great quality and presentation.
When will it open during the day?
GZ: We will have our lounge side at 401 Central open at 4pm everyday. The dance/ club side Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at this point. We hope to have the need for more club nights in the near future!
What kind of changes have you implemented that is different from previous clubs that existed?
GZ: We are looking to provide an experience that is service based. What that means is; we will sell the experience and a quality of service first. The
products and items we provide will only play a small part in what we do.
What kind of sound are you’re offering and why it’s sure to keep you coming back?
GZ: I will say we have way more than what we need! The system was designed for a 30,000 sq ft club and we are only about 1/3 of that.
What’s your background?
GZ: I have been in the hospitality industry for 13 years and have had the pleasure of being involved in some of the top clubs, restaurants and hotels in Albuquerque. I also spent years out in Las Vegas, NV helping run some of the top clubs in the world.
Why did you feel like downtown was the place for Posh?
GZ: I think much like most downtown, areas are on cycles. Ours is too and I foresee a great upswing in the near future. It wont be long before we see more business, industry, education, housing, and many different types of entertainment spring up in the area. As our younger generations become more urbanized and choose to live, work, and play in the same area; we find ourselves directly in the middle of it.
It seems you have two sides to the bar, what is each sides function?
GZ: Each will offer its own experience with one focusing on EDM and more modern music, being close and intimate and the other being more “clubish” open and feature a top 40 EDM mash up format.
Where did you get the idea for a disco ball DJ stage?
GZ: I never like the idea of a DJ standing behind a box. As DJ’s are one of the focal points of the experience, I felt we needed to pay more attention to the platform. After all, most people will be staring at the DJ booth all night-might as well give them something nice to look at.
What impact will the club make downtown?
GZ: We hope to be the driving force, as the location once was for nightlife in the city. We really want to be known as the leader in providing a sophisticated, responsible, and vibrant experience.
We snapped a picture of the Electric Vehicle you all have. What is it for, and what measures are you taking to ensure the safety of patrons at your club?
GZ: The car is going to be there on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. It will assist us in transporting guests that may not want to walk from some of the parking lots that are a little further away. It also gives the opportunity to accommodate the guests that stay at the surrounding hotels. Overall, we will have the opportunity to provide safe and comfortable transportation for our guests.
