The man behind club Five1Eight

By David Damiani

Saturday night downtown in Plattsburgh. Club Five1Eight is considered one of the biggest clubs

in upstate New York. “It’s always a good time” Yeabsira Ayele (customer) But the real question

is,who is the person behind Club Five1Eight. His name is Devin Hilts, a long time plattsburgh

native who had a passion for the entertainment business.

introduced into the nightlife scenery. Hilts said throughout his 13 years in the business he has

held every position.” “I think I’ve done everything in the business from being a

bartender,barback.bouncer,assistant manager, general manager, and owner.” Which all has

definitely prepared him to be the owner for Club Five1Eight. The transition from Off The

Hookah which was the club in business prior to Five1Eight happened recently.

him a job in Florida as a general manager for one of the Off the Hookahs franchises down in

Florida. Devin accepting and filing his leave notice at the Plattsburgh franchise got offered a new

opportunity from the franchise a few weeks later and offered to sell the business to Hilts, after a

few days of contemplating he took the opportunity and became the owner. One of the main

reasons for moving forward with the acquisition deal was that he believed Plattsburgh was a

good place. “I’ve always liked Plattsburgh, I’ve always got along with everyone here It’s not a

big town but it's a good town ; not a lot of violence and not a lot of problems.” A part of the

acquisition deal for the club, Hilts had to change the name. “ We definitely took a while,

probably had a hundred names written, I carried a patent paper with me all the time.” Hilts came

up with the name from reminiscing over one of his buddies worked for popular nightclub e1ven

in Miami, and immediately took inspiration off that.

inside the club preparing for the weekend. Hilts comes in around 10 am and handles all

operations from making sure the bar is fully stocked to venue being able to operate for the

weekend. “On average I spend about 60 hours, a lot of late nights and early mornings. I’m lucky

even if I get more than 3 hours of sleep.” Running club Five1Eight for the most part has become

his life. “Don’t get me wrong, its alot of work but I do enjoy it.”When asked if he had any

hobbies apart from running the club, Hilts said the little time that he has off, he does enjoy

golfing,fishing and hiking.

been fine, a lot of customers.” Hilts had measure that part of his success in Plattsburgh is because

of his friendly staff & customer service. “Trust, respect your customers, make sure all the ladies

are comfortable, don’t pick on people said Chris Neil bartender at Club Five1Eight.

as a high priority alongside as creating a friendly and fun atmosphere. When asked about Hilts

Bushey replies saying“ Boss is pretty nice, pretty reasonable guy.”

focus of being a live venue for live music bands, djs and artists. The new live 800 maximum

occupancy club is set to open Fall 16. Hilts mentioned“Instead of leaving Plattsburgh to go

elsewhere for entertainment, why not keep it in Plattsburgh.”. With no thought of leaving

Plattsburgh, Hilts ends of saying. “ Were happy with Plattsburgh, hopefully they're happy with