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One of Hell’s Kitchen’s most storied gay bars is getting a second act. The Ritz Bar and Lounge, once a go-to spot for late-night dancing, drag shows and celeb sightings, is officially under new ownership and mid-reinvention, with a bold plan to reopen its doors just in time for Pride Month in NYC.
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Located at 369 West 46th Street on Restaurant Row, The Ritz was recently purchased by Eric Hanninen, a civil engineer-turned-hospitality entrepreneur who’s frequented the club since 2014. After years working on wind and solar energy projects, Hanninen is ditching desk life to bring new energy—and accountability—to a venue that’s been through its share of ups and downs.
“It’s going to be a big refresh,” Hanninen told W42ST back in February. “It’s not going to feel exactly the same old way it used to.”
And that’s by design. In recent years, The Ritz struggled with deteriorating facilities and, more seriously, its connection to a high-profile 2022 murder case that concluded in court earlier this year (per NBC New York). Hanninen acknowledged the club’s troubled history but emphasized that a clean break has been made. “The past issues that have surrounded The Ritz won’t be forgotten, but they’re part of the old management,” he said. “This is a new era, and we’re moving forward.”
Serhant listed the four-story building last year for $6.5 million and sold it to Hanninen for $5.8 million. Renovations are already underway: new HVAC, lighting and paint; upgraded sound systems with volume limiters; refreshed bathrooms; and the long-shuttered second-floor bar set to reopen. He’s also legalizing and revamping the back patio and moving into one of the apartments upstairs to be close to operations.
More than just cosmetic, the relaunch includes new safety protocols, extended hours (4pm to 4am) and retraining for all staff. Hanninen has applied for a new liquor license and introduced a security plan involving ID and bag checks and de-escalation training. He’s also bringing back crowd-favorite programming: rotating DJs, drag shows and RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties.
“We know The Ritz means a lot to this neighborhood, and we’re listening,” Hanninen said. “There’s a lot of work to do, but we’re committed to creating a space that welcomes everyone, celebrates queer culture and brings back the energy that made The Ritz special in the first place.”