Insider Q&A Spotlight on Nightlife Legend Rande Gerber

Enlarge Photo

San Diego nightlife enthusiasts are no strangers to the sleek and resplendent Moonstone Lounge and Sweetwater Saloon at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. But those who've spent dozens of evenings lounging about these sweet bars still may not know the men behind the brand.

The Gerber Group is dedicated to developing innovative nightlife, hotel and restaurant concepts around the world, founded by Rande Gerber and Scott Gerber. Well known for his marriage to iconic supermodel Cindy Crawford, Rande Gerber has also accomplished quite a bit on his own.

Rande Gerber founded The Whiskey, in New York City, over 15 years ago and has since become the most influential nightlife proprietor in the country. The Gerber Group is now known across the globe for the uncanny ability to create chic, seductive bars polished with modern glamour to reflect the time and cityscape of each location.

The Gerber Group's latest ventures include Midnight Rose, a restaurant lounge and The Penthouse, a rooftop bar, in the historic Hotel Reina Victoria in Madrid; Rose Bar at ME Cancun, a luxury resort in Cancun, Mexico; and a partnership with Maxim Magazine to develop Maxim Lounges the first of which debuted at ME Cancun.

Back home in San Diego, we are about to celebrate the one year anniversary of Moonstone Lounge and Sweetwater Saloon. And as usual, Insiders are the first to hear the exclusive party plans. The Gerber Group presents the One Year Anniversary Party at Sweetwater on Wednesday, December 9, 2008. Get details here.

In honor of an intoxicating year of success, DiscoverSD went up close and personal with Rande Gerber. From his own party preferences to the best San Diego memories in 2008 and his opinion of the San Diego nightlife scene, meet the infamous Rande Gerber.

Q: Roughly one year ago, the Gerber Group arrived in San Diego. Why did you decide to launch new venues in San Diego, and why did you partner with the Hard Rock Hotel brand?

A: We have been interested in opening venues in San Diego for a few years now. Then the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego approached us and offered us a great opportunity in an incredible location. Having Sweetwater on the ground floor corner with an outdoor terrace and entrance was perfect for our concept. Also, Moonstone's upper outdoor terrace location around the Woodstock pool gave us a different atmosphere and vibe to offer to our customers.

Q: Are you more of a Sweetwater or Moonstone kind of guy? Are we more likely to find you relaxing by the open air fire pit lounges at Moonstone, or surrounded by friends in the striking red VIP area within Sweetwater?

A: I really love both concepts! You will definitely find me going back and forth between the two throughout the night. I usually start off with drinks at Moonstone around the fire pit at sunset; it's gorgeous that time of night and you can't beat the chill atmosphere.

But, as the night goes on, I typically head down to Sweetwater to check out the crowd and maybe do some dancing… depending on how much I am drinking. Then just before closing, I like to head back upstairs to Moonstone to wind down and breathe the fresh air. This way I can do it all over again the next night. It's the perfect mix.

Q: What were the best nights you spent at Moonstone and Sweetwater in 2008?

A: Every time I am at Sweetwater and Moonstone, I am in awe. The party is constant and the people really love to have fun. I feel very fortunate that the San Diego scene has taken such a liking to our company. The crowd is always looking to have a great time and they like to have it at Sweetwater and Moonstone.

Whether I am there or not, the party goes on. There have been many crazy nights and you just have to be there to experience them.

Q: The Gerber Group took local nightlife to the next level. What entertainment capital city do you feel San Diego most resembles?

A: I think San Diego is the best of New York, Los Angeles and South Beach. It has the sophistication, glamour and excitement of all three, but with no BS.

Q: What are the three most important ingredients to the making of a successful new club? And, what are the three biggest mistakes a club can make?

A: The most important ingredients of a successful club are great employees, no attitude and an eclectic mix of people. Oh and a great ambience with the hottest DJ's doesn't hurt either. The biggest mistake, in my opinion, is inexperience: trying to open a new business without understanding the industry. It takes an immense amount of hard work and dedication to succeed in any business. Regardless, it is best to decide what your goals are and stick to them. Patience is key. And, always remember to treat your employees and customers fairly and with respect.

DiscoverSD was with you at Moonstone and Sweetwater every lounge pose and dance step of the way through 2008. Check out the local Gerber scene in our directory of San Diego nightlife photos.

For more information on The Gerber Group, visit GerberBars.com.