About Rob Shamlian
A talented entrepreneur in New York, Robert “Rob” Shamlian owns four restaurants and bars on the Lower East Side. After moving to the state from Los Angeles more than 15 years ago, he began his career in the industry in 2004 when he opened Darkroom in the LES which became a regular hangout for rock bands and such as Interpol and the Kills. From there he opened a music venue and bar called Fat Baby. Rob Shamlian subsequently opened Spitzer’s Corner, a gastropub and beer hall that the Michelin Guides recommended between 2010 and 2015, and Los Feliz, a taqueria that has been praised by numerous celebrities. His most recent addition is Spritzenhaus, which he launched in 2011. The bar earned an award from the Village Voice as the city’s “Best Beer Hall” in 2013 and has come into vogue for hosting private events and movie and television wrap parties in addition to being a casual neighborhood favorite. Due to Spritzenhaus’ success, Rob Shamlian is looking to expand the concept into other cities around the country.
Prior to beginning his current line of business, Mr. Shamlian spent a decade working as a fashion photographer. He trained under several highly regarded photographers and became very familiar with all elements of fashion photography, ranging from lighting and set design to production. Rob Shamlian’s first editorial shoot was for Surface magazine’s second issue, and from there he took photographs for such magazines as Dazed and Confused, The Face, Wallpaper, D magazine, International Harpers Bazaar, Italian Marie Claire, Jalouse, Italian Vogue and others. After seeing the success his brother had operating bars in Los Angeles, Mr. Shamlian decided to change his career to something less transient and began opening bars and restaurants in New York.
Prior to beginning his current line of business, Mr. Shamlian spent a decade working as a fashion photographer. He trained under several highly regarded photographers and became very familiar with all elements of fashion photography, ranging from lighting and set design to production. Rob Shamlian’s first editorial shoot was for Surface magazine’s second issue, and from there he took photographs for such magazines as Dazed and Confused, The Face, Wallpaper, D magazine, International Harpers Bazaar, Italian Marie Claire, Jalouse, Italian Vogue and others. After seeing the success his brother had operating bars in Los Angeles, Mr. Shamlian decided to change his career to something less transient and began opening bars and restaurants in New York.