By: Marissa Ross 

Sarita Tabarez doesn’t just run spaces; she transforms them. From opening hot spot restaurants to becoming the Vice President of one of New York City’s innovative creative hubs, NeueHouse, Sarita has redefined hospitality at every stage of her career. For this first-generation Dominican, the journey has been about more than food, drink, or décor; it’s been about crafting spaces that connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.

Her early career began with transforming a bodega into Zitella, an intimate Italian restaurant, followed by Tompkins 131, which brought together French and Caribbean fusion cuisine in a vibrant, creative atmosphere. These spaces became cultural havens, attracting everyone from JFK Jr. to the cast of Rent. With each project, Sarita honed her talent for crafting spaces that felt alive with community and culture.

Pivoting into private events, Sarita’s reputation for curating unforgettable experiences flourished. Her roles at iconic venues like Amy Sacco’s Lot 61, Sean McPhearson and Eric Goode’s The Park, and Ian Schrager’s properties saw her orchestrating high-profile events. When his properties sold and became Morgan’s Hotel Group, she left but truly realized her desire to take on the hospitality business. She started at GrandLife Hotels as the special events director, successfully leveraging her relationships and curated events such as Zac Posen’s NY Fashion Week Party, eventually leading to Sarita taking over the Roxy Hotel in Tribeca as General Manager.

With a deep understanding of the business’s creative and operational sides, Sarita was recruited as the first hire in the Faena District, Miami Brach, as VP of Business Development. She led the charge in expanding the brand, overseeing the successful launch of its second location in Miami. Sarita’s contributions were pivotal to Faena’s growth, establishing her as a key figure and respected hospitality leader in the industry.

At NeueHouse Madison Square, Sarita’s current role as Vice President of the New York City flagship has elevated her dedication to hospitality to new heights. The flagship boasts everything from a Penthouse Exhibition space to a podcast studio and a cinema, where members can meet, create, and collaborate. Under her leadership, NeueHouse has become a home for groundbreaking events, hosting screenings for talent to include Pamela Anderson, Sienna Miller, Jake Gyllenhaal, Cate Blanchett, and Gia Coppola while supporting emerging creatives.

Even with VIPs in attendance, Sarita keeps her focus on NeueHouse as a whole, saying, “True success comes from building a product that speaks for itself. Making meaningful investments in the brand and prioritizing creating a genuine collective allows us to grow organically. Running a private club demands a deep commitment to hospitality. The world is brimming with creative professionals eager to connect and collaborate, and NeueHouse is the space where those connections thrive.” 

Sarita’s leadership is deeply rooted in her personal story. As a Dominican woman from the Lower East Side, she’s always understood the power of representation. At NeueHouse, this creates a platform for underrepresented voices, inviting diverse creatives to share their work and connect. By fostering community, Sarita ensures that hospitality is as much about giving back as creating memorable experiences.

She has shaped NeueHouse into a dynamic hub where collaboration and inclusivity converge. Under her guidance, NeueHouse has become a platform for amplifying BIPOC voices, hosting events like Soul Soirée and Black Star Film Festival. These initiatives celebrate diversity and create spaces where emerging and established talent across the arts can thrive.

Sarita’s commitment to inclusivity extends to programming that highlights stories of resilience and innovation. Member screenings showcase an array of cinema, from an Indian Oscar-nominated drama about two Mumbai roommates, All We Imagine as Light, to a short film about a West African refugee living in the Bronx, Reunion. Her dedication to spotlighting these works ensures that NeueHouse is a place where every voice feels heard.

Furthering the mission to support the next generation of creatives, NeueHouse is partnering with the New York City Department of Education to launch a mentorship program for high school students. Sarita is spearheading the opportunity to give back to the school system, having grown up in New York public schools and graduated from Norman Thomas High School herself. This initiative places students in internships with industry professionals, offering invaluable real-world experience. The program is expected to be extended to NeueHouse members as part of its continued dedication to creating growth opportunities. 

Sarita’s maternal mindset further cultivated the idea for a comprehensive wellness program. What began to make it easier for her team to access health services has turned into a plan for a full floor with certified general physicians, an OBGYN, a dermatologist, and a gastroenterologist for members as well. This initiative combines traditional practices like acupuncture with tailored services, such as movement coaching, to ensure that members have access to tools for longevity and rejuvenation. 

The program also features curated offsites designed to connect with nature. Offerings include sound baths, breathwork classes, guided meditation, and excursions such as hiking and kayaking, all aimed at promoting physical well-being, cultivating mindfulness, and encouraging personal growth.

Photo Courtesy: Alex Korolkovas / Sarita Tabarez

In every space Sarita leads, wellness is a cornerstone. At NeueHouse, she’s continued to transform the culinary offerings to align with a health-conscious lifestyle since she started at Madison Square. NeueHouse is committed to sourcing fresh, seasonal ingredients and crafting menus to fuel creativity. Think turmeric-ginger sodas and nourishing meals that energize members rather than weigh them down.

With this focus on revitalizing everyday choices, Sarita has supported startups to help them thrive. Notable brands like Physique 57, Jelly Cat, and Katini Skin found their footing within NeueHouse’s innovative home. Katini Yamaoka, once a part of the NeueHouse team, leveraged the connections she made there to launch her Japanese skincare company. These small businesses’ growth exemplifies the interconnected opportunities that NeueHouse provides for its members and staff.

Sarita has balanced assertiveness and mentorship, creating a culture where everyone feels nurtured and empowered to grow. For Sarita, her work isn’t about accolades; it’s about creating places where people feel seen, safe, and celebrated. 

Dr. Marcel Reichart, Executive Chair of NeueHouse, highlights this saying; “Sarita exemplifies the transformative power of leadership that combines strength, empathy, and vision. It is NeueHouse’s ambition to create spaces and foster communities where members, women, and men, can not only excel and be inspired but also redefine the narrative of what leadership looks like in today‘s world.”

Sarita has continued her legacy of fostering cultural connection and hospitality as Vice President of the NeueHouse New York City flagship. She continues integrating her vision for well-being, ingenuity, and inclusivity for the members and her team. Sarita’s story is a testament to the transformative power of leadership that merges creativity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to community.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, financial, or business advice. The opinions, programs, and initiatives described reflect the leadership and vision of Sarita Tabarez and NeueHouse. Readers are encouraged to independently verify information or consult with professionals for specific advice or inquiries.

Published by Stephanie M.