Richie Akiva is the CEO of the Butter Group which owns Butter Restaurant, 1Oak, and Up and Down.

Early Life

Akiva was born and raised in the Manhattan neighbourhood of Tribeca. He is part - Puerto Rican and also Jewish. He went to several private schools and graduated from the Dwight School. When he was 16, he started his own clothing line, Danücht. He attended The Dwight School in the Upper East Side.

Career

At the age of 19, he became a nightlife promoter and started to make a name for himself in the New York City scene. He originally opened the club SPA with his partner, Scott Sartiano. Then in 2002, they started The Butter Group with their own funds and opened up their first club, Butter. The club became a huge success, attracting celebrities from all over to make appearances. In 2006 with a group of investors, Akiva opened 1OAK in New York, now has footholds in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Southampton, New York. Since then he opened Up & Down in NYC. His clubs have attracted stars such as Justin Bieber, Nas, Jay Z, Rihanna, Kate Moss, Jennifer Lopez, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Naomi Campbell.

Personal Life

Akiva credits his success from developing meaningful relationships.

He has been friends with Jay Z and Naomi Campbell for over 20-years. .