John Terzian Exclusive Interview: Entrepreneur And Co-Founder The h.wood Group (The Nice Guy, Bootsy Bellows, Blind Dragon)

John Terzian has the Midis touch. The co-founder of the h.wood Group has opened some of the hottest spots in Los Angeles, including SHOREbar, Bootsy Bellows, Blind Dragon, Henry's, The Nice Guy Restaurant Lounge, Ivory at The Mondrian Los Angeles and Delilah.

A native of Los Angeles, Terzian started his career at AMLV management where he helped manage nightlife luminaries and was predominately responsible for launching the career of DJ AM, among others. He formed The h.wood Group in 2008 with managing partner Brian Toll, as a hospitality and lifestyles company, generating upscale nightlife and restaurant divisions, corporate branding, real-estate development and event production. In 2012, the group opened Bootsy Bellows in West Hollywood alongside actor David Arquette as well as their first west side endeavor, SHOREbar.

As Terzian became more influential in the entertainment and hospitality industry, he grew to redefine nightlife with his signature style of branding, making each of the h.wood Group venues’ concept themes speak individually for themselves and conquer the nightlife scene, becoming some of LA’s most exclusive hot spots.

After sealing the partnership with Hakkasan Group in 2014, Terzian went on to expand into the Food and Beverages industry with the h.wood Group’s first restaurant, the Nice Guy. As the visionary mastermind behind the creative development and concept for the exclusive reservations only eatery, Terzian struck a balanced formula, with a "home base" for their personal networks to enjoy the intimate nostalgic interiors, epicurean food and specialty cocktails, and live music performances all engaging in one place. The Nice Guy quickly caught the world’s eye as one of LA’s top destinations.

Outside the city of Angels, the h.wood Group has expanded to include Heart of Omnia inside Omnia Las Vegas, Bootsy Bellows Aspen and Blind Dragon Dubai.

We caught up with the entrepreneur and chatted about his newest opening, his drink of choice and where he sees the h.wood Group headed. Check out the exclusive interview below.

#1. Tell us about how you first got into the nightlife industry

I started throwing parties and events in college at USC [University of Southern California]. My art background combined with my love of people and entertaining caused me to fall into this business.

#2. You're newest space Delilah just opened in West Hollywood. Tell us about the concept behind it.

It is a true supper club concept as they used to have in the '20s and '30s [hence the decor and theme is from that era]. It is a truly special place that is a restaurant with amazing drinks and food, a live band nightly and other various surprises like flapper style showgirls working the room's atmosphere and experience. This is a true social hub.

#3. What's the secret to your success in keeping a place "hot?"

There is no secret. I stick to keeping and catering to my loyal friends and family. I build these special places and concepts for them.

#4. What has been the most exciting moment in your career so far?

The moment a few years ago when my parents realized I was not out of my mind for pursuing this dream.

#5. What is your favorite menu item from any of your restaurants?

The Chicken Tenders or the Burger at Delilah and the Pan Seared Branzino or Chicken La Penna at the Nice Guy.

#6. Your venues are known to attract the hottest celebrities including The Kardashians, Taylor Swift, Jason Derulo, Eva Longoria, Drake, GIgi Hadid and Kate Hudson. Who would be your dream customer? Anyone you would love to see come in?

I would love to have Richard Prince.

#7. What's your go-to drink?

The Champagne Papi cocktail [Virginia Black, velvet falernum, lime, mango puree served in a flute w/ a personal bottle of champagne] at Delilah or Elyx on the rocks.

#8. You've been expanding your businesses internationally. Is there a particular city you have you eye on for the future?

I have always had my eye on and looking for a great fit in London. Last October, we opened our very first international expansion with our upscale karaoke lounge, Blind Dragon in Dubai. As we do explore into more international properties, we always make sure that people still identify with the h.wood Group brands and experience. That's what we think people enjoy the most at our places, and remember us by and we want to keep sharing that around the world.

#9. What's the best piece of career advice you've ever been give?

To not get too high with the highs or low with the lows.

#10. Where do you see the h.wood Group brand in five years?

Doing exactly what I am doing just including hotels and more restaurants.