For those of us who lived in Wichita, then eventually returned to our native Southern California, we came to know the combined cultural differences and similarities of diverse midwestern and southern California cultures.
Wichita, Kansas was for years, home to Learjet, Cessna, and Beechcraft, and others in the industrial plane space. But, of equal entrepreneurial relevance, was the Kansas hospitality and steak cultures. Arguably, some of the best strip and Tomahawk steaks came from Wichita and other cities in Kansas. The hospitality culture was well-known and from that came Seth Glassman, an experienced hospitality epicure, who was the force behind successful steak and cuisine restaurants, a recent being in Wichita – well-known for his 6S steakhouse
But now, Seth Glassman and Brandon Steven, both Wichita residents who worked within the luxury hospitality/new automotive dealership bandwidth, joined forces to create a new, diverse product, a true cultural blend: combining Midwest – Wichita, and far west -Beverly Hills-- into a new, combined members-only club, called Gravitas.
In addition to Gravitas’s exceptional cuisine, wine, and mixology presentations, it is also equipped with wall-to-wall LED screens for sporting events and film screenings, secluded GEM (Gravitas Elite Member) private booths, as well as private game and dining rooms. Further, there are digital temperature-controlled wine lockers on the main floor that can be controlled anywhere in real time to store on-site wine for dining, or at a few Beverly Hills restaurants nearby. Other notable features include a recording studio for broadcasting, podcasts, and other entertainment.
The club will also offer complimentary white glove chauffeur service within a 2-mile radius of the venue. Trips beyond the included range can be booked for an additional fee. The Gravitas Car Club will give members the opportunity to experience luxury vehicles, coordinated through the dedicated Gravitas concierge.
Also, for those who wish a more extended luxury automobile experience, members will soon have a fleet of sports cars, supercars, and luxury vehicles available to them. It’s a way for co-founder Steven to share his lifelong passion for his luxury automotive living and knowledge.
Memberships at Gravitas start at $4,000 per year for those under 30. A Resident Membership is available for $5,500 annually, while the Spousal Membership for two costs $7,500 annually. All three options require a $2,500 initiation fee. At the top tier is the exclusive G.E.M. (Gravitas Elite Membership), with pricing available upon request. In addition to several tiers of membership, Gravitas also plans to become a premier destination for luxury brand showcases that will entertain members and guests. Gravitas will also present a series of exceptional events and events all year long.
JustLuxe is grateful to have been able to communicate with Brandon and Seth on their new luxury club venture and adventure.
JustLuxe: What are your visions for Gravitas? In other words, what prompted you to start a members-only club? What cultural need did you see that was not being filled?
Seth and Brandon: We really felt that Gravitas was filling a void, not only in location but in amenities, service, design, and all that a luxury club may offer. The vision was to create a club that truly embodied the Beverly Hills lifestyle while maintaining the familiarity and comfort provided by impeccable service.
JustLuxe: If the concepts of sanctuary and transformation are necessary as regards how members may feel when being in Gravitas, what is the member focus of having a membership? What do you hope the members will garner when they buy a membership?
Seth and Brandon: Our commitment to unparalleled service will be a distinguishing factor for us. The combination of Brandon’s midwestern hospitality and my 20+ years in the industry will set our member experience apart. Attention to detail and personal touch are paramount to who we are, and we plan on bringing that into the fold of Gravitas as well.
JustLuxe: Since Seth has been in luxury hospitality and Brandon in luxury car dealerships, what similar or diverse lessons do you have that can be put into place in working with the luxury clientele of Gravitas?
Seth: Brandon’s background is in the high-end automobile world; he always had the idea of incorporating a luxury car offering into the ethos and vision of Gravitas. The Car Club will allow members to experience top-of-the-line luxury vehicles, facilitated seamlessly by our concierge.
Seth and Brandon: We’ve also set up the G-Car, a white glove chauffeur service that will take members to and from the club. Outside of our amenities, the cornerstone of our luxury experience lies in the personalized service we provide. We will ensure that every member’s experience at the club is not just enjoyable, but truly memorable.
JustLuxe: Please describe the menu and cocktail offerings as well as the wine service and lockers on site.
Seth and Brandon: The wine, cocktail, and food offerings all have a global feel to them: think Mediterranean inspiration on the culinary side to Asian flexions present in the cocktail menu and sushi program. Gravitas features a dynamic, produce-driven menu that showcases elevated cuisine featuring the finest local ingredients joined with skilled culinary techniques.
The Gravitas culinary experience will be led by celebrated Chef Preston Madson who looks forward to bringing his vibrant culinary vision to Gravitas. Gravitas will also feature cocktails by Yael Vengroff, one of Los Angeles’ premier mixologists and spectacular wine presentations from Sommelier Raphael Guirguis.
JustLuxe: I am also interested in the architectural design of Gravitas. What is the name of your architect, and what does the architectural design say about the mission and vision of Gravitas?
Seth and Brandon: We collaborated with George Kelly and the Kelly Architects team, known for their expertise in hospitality projects in Los Angeles. Their vision aligns seamlessly with our mission and vision at Gravitas. The architectural design serves as a tribute to the rich heritage of Old Hollywood while embracing the contemporary spirit of Beverly Hills and looking ahead to the future of Gravitas's members. The combination of textures, materials, and finishes creates an opulent yet welcoming atmosphere, reflecting our commitment to luxury and inclusivity. This design also enhances the experience of our members, making them feel at home in a space that embodies both elegance and warmth.
JustLuxe: Will you have events that will be specific to the Gravitas members, if so, what do you have in mind and will they begin in 2025? With our experiences with other clubs, there have been theater, travel, and art events — do you have ideas that will allow members to further enhance their membership acquaintances this way?
Seth and Brandon: With the Dodgers in the World Series, we’ve already hosted a few events for our members. In partnership with Bandero Tequila, members attended a watch party for games 1 and 2 of the World Series, enjoying custom cocktails and baseball game-inspired bites. Coming up we’ll have live comedy and live entertainment every night of the week.
JustLuxe: Finally, where did you find the name GRAVITAS? I am interested as the name is memorable. Who thought of it, what was the decision-making process that allowed you to choose it?
Seth: It just came to me one day. I knew the word and when we were building out what Gravitas was going to be, it felt descriptive and fitting. It’s loosely defined by dignity and seriousness, and we are most definitely serious about our craft.
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