For a long time, I struggled with finding great rainy day activities in the Hamptons. In the past, I've always either come up with fun arts and crafts projects from the penny store, or visited some of the galleries and museums, but those aren’t full day activities. But now, just in time for the Fall/Winter season out east, The Rubenstein family has opened up the most incredible game center in East Hampton next to the airport, and it’s called the Clubhouse. They have a bowling alley, indoor/outdoor sports bar, incredible arcade, and mini golf. My girls and I had the best time playing all of the games! I’m excited to have this clubhouse around all winter long, as it’s great for family fun when you want to escape the cold.
How many years have you been in business in the Hamptons?
The Clubhouse opened on July 12, 2018.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
The History Section of our website gives a nice overview of the beginning of EHIT and The Clubhouse.
What do you feel differentiates you from others?
We have brought family entertainment to a new level with amenities that truly accommodate every age. People who come say they feel like they are in a resort, a totally different space than anywhere they’ve imagined in East Hampton. I’ve heard countless times, “We needed a place like this so bad! So happy we don’t have to drive half a day away just to find something that everyone can enjoy!”
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
We hope that our ability to provide quality, family friendly entertainment, and loyalty programs will allow for people to come back often and always find something fun to do!
How do you positively impact your clientele?
We give kids a fun source of entertainment in a safe space, we give families a place where every member can have fun, we do our best to hear customer feedback and implement changes so we can continue to give everyone the best possible experience.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of working at The Clubhouse is seeing people’s faces when they turn the corner on each room of the venue. Kids and adults alike light up and get that giddy excited look in their eyes and I know they are creating memories that will last a lifetime.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
My favorite spot is Mom’s on 9th and 48th.
How do you benefit mamas?
We aim to provide a great place to bring kids! I am also a dance teacher and a lot of my dancers and their parents came to check out the place early on for a photo shoot and the parents were able to relax at the outdoor lounge/bar area while the kids played mini golf. It is a true oasis outside, relaxing, fun, and accessible!
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
In our first week of operation, a woman came in with her son who looked to be about high school or college age. She looked around and took in the space but had a more serious look in her eyes. She came up to the owner Scott who was next to me at the front desk, she took his hand and his arm in her hands and started thanking him profusely. She said that she was so grateful for a place where teens and young adults can come and find great entertainment without turning to drugs. She said that she could see The Clubhouse having a huge positive impact on the youth in our community especially considering the drug and alcohol abuse problems that we are facing. That was a really beautiful interaction to witness.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
I am an avid Disney fan, and not just for the Mickey shaped pretzels, but because every visit and every experience is truly defined by the exemplary customer service. I listen to WDW Radio with Lou Mongello and he interviews top Disney executives and Imagineers and the common thread in every interview when the topic of their cast members comes up is the best business advice I can imagine. Three simple guidelines to a stellar crew- hire great people, train them well, and make sure they know they are an important part of the team. That has been inspiring me lately.