By: Marissa Ross
Few people seem to capture the essence of hospitality quite like Sarita Tabarez. As Vice President of Flagship at NeueHouse NYC, she’s not simply managing a space; she’s contributing to the creation of a cultural ecosystem where creatives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders come together to pursue their best work. Her journey here has been anything but straightforward, beginning with her own restaurants in New York’s Lower East Side, and gradually expanding into curating unforgettable events for some of the city’s most iconic spaces and brands.
Now at NeueHouse, Sarita brings her comprehensive experience in hospitality, wellness, and cultural curation to a role that connects business with community. Whether she’s organizing a night of sound healing, overseeing a design-focused culinary concept, or collaborating with a filmmaker on a panel, everything she does revolves around intentionality and connection. In this conversation, Sarita reflects on her journey, what leadership truly entails, and the future she’s helping to cultivate, one experience at a time.
Q. Sarita, your career in hospitality has been diverse and dynamic. Can you share the pivotal moments that led you to your current role as Vice President of Flagship at NeueHouse NYC?
I’ve always had a deep passion for creating spaces where people can connect, whether through food, culture, or conversation. Owning my own restaurants early in my career gave me insights into vision, perseverance, and the significance of hospitality. As I transitioned into event planning and lifestyle programming, I realized I found joy in curating experiences that left lasting impressions. NeueHouse felt like a natural progression, a place where I could combine all those interests under one roof. I would say I found myself in this role because I actively sought out a place that would allow me to use my expertise, mentor my peers, and ultimately, connect with like-minded individuals who inspire me. This is exactly what I’ve found here, and I’ve never looked forward to coming to work more.
Q. Transitioning from owning restaurants like Zitella and Tompkins 131 to leading roles in event management and now at NeueHouse, how have these experiences shaped your approach to hospitality and leadership?
They’ve taught me that attention to detail is crucial, but so is the energy you bring to each situation. Running restaurants gave me a hands-on understanding of service. Working in hotels with Ian Schrager and Alan Faena, I learned about sales, marketing, and how to manage large-scale operations. Throughout my journey, I’ve experienced every aspect, from non-profits in the art world to organizing events for cultural icons, which taught me how to tell stories through space. At NeueHouse, I bring all these perspectives together to create environments that feel elevated, but still approachable. Leadership, to me, is about maintaining a clear vision while empowering others to bring their creativity forward.
Q. At NeueHouse, you’ve integrated wellness programs and cultural events into the member experience. What inspired this holistic approach, and how do you see it benefiting the community?
We’re living in a time where creativity and wellness are closely intertwined. If you want people to show up with fresh ideas and open minds, it’s important to create space for rejuvenation too. People are at their ideal when they’ve taken time for themselves to disconnect and recharge, and that has been one of the key elements we’ve worked to incorporate here. Our programming—ranging from sound healing and nutrition coaching to live performances and salons—acknowledges that creative people are holistic individuals. We aim to nourish every aspect of our members’ well-being.
Q. NeueHouse is known for its unique blend of workspace and social club. How do you balance creating a productive environment with fostering a vibrant cultural and social scene?
It’s all about flow and intention. Some areas are designed to be quiet and focused, while others encourage conversation and connection. The magic happens in the transitions, knowing when to host a calming meditation and when to create space for a high-energy event. Our goal is to keep things dynamic while always responding to the needs of our creative community.
Q. You’ve been instrumental in enhancing the culinary offerings at NeueHouse, emphasizing health and sustainability. Can you discuss the philosophy behind these initiatives and their reception among members?
I’ve always had a passion for food and beverages. Having owned two restaurants in my career, I learned the importance of not only caring about the menu but also understanding where the food comes from and ensuring it’s sustainable. We source our ingredients from premier local purveyors in the Hudson Valley, Massachusetts, and New York. We even have fresh mushrooms coming from Brooklyn in addition to our own in-house grown mushrooms. I see food as fuel; it should nourish and energize. We wanted to create menus that were thoughtful, fresh, and focused on supporting the creative process. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Our members appreciate that they can enjoy a wellness-forward lunch, an elegant cocktail, and dinner all in one day, without compromise.
Q. Collaboration seems central to NeueHouse’s ethos. How do you cultivate partnerships within the creative industries to enrich the experiences offered to members?
It all starts with listening. No one does it quite the way we do when it comes to welcoming new members. We interview everyone of them, asking who they are, what they want to see, feel, and create here. Then we open the door and work together to bring it to life. That sense of shared authorship keeps our programming fresh and ensures that our community remains engaged. Our members and collaborators come from a diverse range of fields—artists, filmmakers, designers, technologists, and many more. They are multifaceted, and we are here to help them pursue their passions beyond their professional work.
Q. Reflecting on your journey, what challenges have you faced as a woman in leadership within the hospitality industry, and how have you navigated them?
There have certainly been moments where I had to prove my vision and voice, especially in male-dominated spaces. However, I’ve always believed that resilience, intuition, and empathy are valuable strengths, not weaknesses. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, build strong teams, and support other women along the way. It’s all about fostering community over competition.
Q. The recent renovations at NeueHouse, including the cinema and podcast studio, have garnered attention. What was the vision behind these spaces, and how do they align with the future direction of NeueHouse?
We wanted to provide our members with the tools to amplify their work—not just create quietly but also broadcast their stories with impact. The cinema and podcast studio reflect this vision. They are extensions of our mission: to be a space for creators who are shaping what’s next, whether through film, sound, or storytelling.
Q. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for NeueHouse, and how do you envision its role in shaping the future of creative workspaces and communities?
My goal is for NeueHouse to remain a cultural hub, a place where people come not just to work but to feed their curiosity, feel inspired, and find support. As the future of work becomes more fluid, I see us playing a role in designing environments that nurture wellness, connection, and creativity. It’s not just about the space itself—it’s about what happens within it. That’s why we focus on programming and facilitating thought-provoking conversations. Our members continue to learn and grow throughout their careers.
Q. For those aspiring to enter the hospitality and creative industries, especially in leadership roles, what advice would you offer based on your extensive experience?
Lead with authenticity. Know what you bring to the table and stand by it. Embrace hard work. Surround yourself with people who challenge you. And above all—don’t lose your sense of wonder. This industry is about creating joy, beauty, and connection. Always remember that.
Sarita Tabarez’s journey is a reflection of what happens when passion intersects with purpose. From pioneering hospitality spaces to reimagining the creative experience at NeueHouse, her leadership reflects a deep commitment to intentionality, community, and cultural evolution. As she continues to help shape the future of work, wellness, and connection, one thing is evident: Sarita is not merely building spaces; she’s contributing to the future.
