Ian Schrager and Highgate announced a new partnership that will expand the PUBLIC brand into new markets around the globe.
Highgate, with a portfolio of hotels and over 80,000 keys across North America, the Caribbean, Latin American and Europe, will operate and manage PUBLIC hotels in collaboration with Schrager, while Schrager retains full creative authority, vision, and brand stewardship.
“I could have chosen anyone in the industry to partner with, but I chose Highgate,” said Schrager.”They are the smartest, most talented, and most disciplined operators and investors in the business. This partnership allows me to focus entirely on what I do best—concept, product, positioning, and experience, while allowing Highgate to do what they do best. To me, it’s a dream team, where 1+1 = 10.”
“Ian is the greatest hotelier of the modern era,” said Mahmood Khimji of Highgate. “He literally invented the lifestyle category. We are extremely excited to be working with him to operate PUBLIC Hotels.”
Later this year, Schrager plans to announce a new food and beverage collaboration at PUBLIC New York. Additionally, PUBLIC West Hollywood is set to open in the Spring.
“I reject the notion of yesterday’s innovator becoming today’s establishment,” Schrager added. “I’m only interested in creating something original, unique, and special that defies categorization—something that people have not seen before. In fact, I try to give people something that they did not even know they wanted or believe existed. I don’t believe in traditional demographics—that is an outdated concept, in my opinion. My projects have always appealed to a person’s sensibility, emotions, and what and how they feel. If I was not accomplishing this, I would not be in the business.”
