Derek Gibbons

Derek Gibbons started his career in Hospitality at an early age working in his grandfather’s liquor store. This is where he found his strength in customer service and love for wine and spirits. He continued to perfect that skill studying Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, the top University in the nation for this profession.  While doing so, he gained extensive knowledge of the industry running multiple bars, lounges and restaurants in Disney hotels and downtown Orlando hotels.  Upon graduating he relocated to Miami where he helped run the Food and Beverage department for the Clevelander in the South Beach Hotel and the Marlin’s Stadium outlet.  Returning back to New York City in 2014, Gibbons quickly made a name for himself in the nightlife industry operating 1Oak, Up&Down and also overseeing both of their special events operations.  In 2019 Derek co-founded Glu Hospitality with partner, Tim Lu, which currently operates many unique venues in Philadelphia with the intention of many, many more.  In the past 10 years Derek has successfully operated a number of the top grossing hospitality venues in the world, and does not expect that reputation to change.