1 of 3 2 of 3 From budding local artists to global legends like Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg, Fortune Sound Club has seen it all in its 15-year tenure. And the legendary Chinatown venue beloved among cool kids and club kids shows no signs of hitting the gas. Garret “Gman” Louie co-founded the club in 2009 with Rob Rizk.
The pair had been working as DJs and promoters for 15 years prior, but decided they wanted to create a club to call their own. The friends found a space, but were initially worried about it not being ground-level. “It was a little nerve-wracking because there would be no walk-by traffic on the third floor,” Louie says via phone.
“We were like, ‘Man, let’s go for it. Build it, they will come.’” Instead of making alcohol the focal point like many clubs do, Louie says they wanted to focus mainly on the sound, even going as far as to get a specialized sound system from the UK.
“We put all the money into the sound system, and really had an awesome renovation with the whole space,” he says. “Our intention was to bring dope music and culture to the city.” He says that the name Fortune Sound Club comes from a mix of his Chinese heritage, a passion for music, and a bit of a play on words.
Tyler, the Creator. “You talk about good fortune in Chinese culture, [which reflects in] everything we did with the brand. We have used red and gold for health and wealth,” he says.
“But if you break down the word ‘fortune,’ there’s a tiny little square i.
