Highly-anticipated black-owned social club, The Gathering Spot, reopens after a hiatus, introducing an alluring rooftop lounge.
The Gathering Spot Moves Forward Amidst Disputes: Announces Ambitious New Project, The Retreat
The Gathering Spot, the black-founded private membership club, has faced challenges in its partnership with Greenwood Financial, but it is pressing on with a new, ambitious project.
The club, which was acquired by Greenwood in 2022, has been embroiled in disputes that led to the separation of the two companies. The lawsuit alleged fraud and deception by Greenwood co-founder Ryan Glover and board member Dr. Paul Judge. Despite these challenges, The Gathering Spot reports that it has secured new funding, totaling $30 million to date, with investments from notable figures like Charles Barkley, Will Packer, and Big Sean.
The Gathering Spot is now focusing on expanding its operations, having grown from 500 to 12,000 members. The club's most ambitious plan to date is The Retreat, a 60,000-square-foot space in Atlanta. The Retreat will feature a rooftop pool, co-working spaces, and two restaurants. No new information about the annual membership cost for The Retreat was discussed.
Ryan Wilson, co-founder of The Gathering Spot, stated that The Retreat is a world-class space designed for the community to access top-tier facilities. Despite the tumultuous separation, Wilson and the club's leadership have expressed a positive outlook on the experience, stating that it was a necessary decision at the time.
Will Packer, a film and TV producer, visited the original location of The Gathering Spot and felt the energy, noting it as a movement that the culture needed. Packer believes The Retreat is building something special for the community.
The Gathering Spot was founded in 2016 and is a network of private clubs focused on creating community spaces for Black and minority individuals. The partnership with Greenwood aimed to bridge the racial wealth gap by building community spaces. However, the partnership ended within a year due to disputes. No further details about the $25 million raised by The Gathering Spot in the past decade were discussed.
As The Gathering Spot moves forward with The Retreat, the legal disputes remain a part of the narrative. However, with significant financial backing and a renewed focus on its mission, The Gathering Spot is poised for growth and success.
[1] The Gathering Spot secures $30 million in funding amidst dispute with Greenwood
[2] The Gathering Spot and Greenwood: A Tumultuous Partnership Ends
[3] The Gathering Spot files lawsuit against Greenwood over disputes
[4] Investors like Charles Barkley, Will Packer, and Big Sean have shown support for The Gathering Spot, contributing to its $30 million fundraising total.
[5] The Retreat, an ambitious expansion project for The Gathering Spot, will offer various facilities including a rooftop pool, co-working spaces, and restaurants.
[6] Despite facing legal battles with Greenwood, The Gathering Spot, a network of private clubs founded in 2016, is aiming to grow and create more community spaces for Black and minority individuals.
