Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Justin Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Justin, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

We started the Brick City Comedy Revue in the upstairs space of an Irish bar 11 years ago. We were happy to get 15 people in the audience in the first year, but we knew the city’s location and upward trajectory would pay off for us eventually. Every year, our peers’ careers grew bigger, and the audiences grew. This year, our show debuted with a lineup of comedians who have all done national television, in its own craft cocktail bar and performance venue, for a sold-out audience of over 100 people.

Justin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’ve been a comedian for the last 15 years, so I spend quite a bit of time in bars. So, Newark Culture Club is a blend of the live entertainment aspect with elevated craft cocktails made by local producers. I’m extremely proud to do something that supports people at the grassroots level and delivers quality at affordable prices.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

We raised an initial amount of funding by building a diverse investment team that included minorities, native Newarkers, and women. Invest Newark, The Newark Alliance, and Audible have also been key partners in ensuring we’ve had the capital needed to bring this project to fruition.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

We’ve always strived to provide top quality at affordable prices. For example, the lineups for the Brick City Comedy Revue regularly feature comedians from major clubs, television, satellite radio, and top podcasts for $15 a ticket. Our audience really knows they’re getting great value for a show in the New York City area, so they often bring friends with them and become repeat customers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://newarkcultureclub.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newarkcultureclub/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewarkCultureClubNJ#

Image Credits
For my profile photo, Mindy Tucker.