Baris Koroglu’s story began in Cappadocia, Turkey, a region etched into history by the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. Known for its cave dwellings and underground cities, Cappadocia is more than his birthplace. For Koroglu, it is the foundation of a creative vision that layers tradition, culture, and innovation, much like the land itself. The deep textures of Cappadocia’s heritage, its artistry, mysticism, and enduring sense of community have influenced his sensibility, shaping the way he conceives spaces that aim to transcend simple hospitality.
Over two decades, Koroglu has built a reputation as a visionary across nightlife, dining, and experience design. In 2019, he co-founded The Lullaby, an immersive nightlife concept blending music, art, and culture. His role as Promotional Director at Paradise Club and as a partner in VirgoPresent further contributed to his status as a tastemaker ,helping shape New York City’s nightlife scene. A collaboration with NBA star Carmelo Anthony at 9 Jones highlighted his ability to bring together food, design, and celebrity culture into concepts that seem to resonate with current trends and audiences.
His more recent ventures reflect a shift toward holistic hospitality. Koroglu sees dining as more than cuisine; it is atmosphere, storytelling, and cultural resonance. This philosophy guided the creation of Aquarelle, where he sought to fuse food with design, turning a restaurant into a destination that blends timeless elements with modern touches. For him, every detail—from the lighting to the music, to the narrative built into the menu—contributes to an immersive experience that lingers in the memory of each guest.
Baris Koroglu Untitled Fashion Week Party
Looking ahead, Koroglu is preparing to debut three new projects. While details remain under wraps, one will be a Mediterranean American fusion restaurant named Déjà vu, opening soon in the West Village. Each venue of the three is expected to build upon his signature style: immersive spaces where culinary craft meets cultural narrative. These openings are likely to expand his influence in hospitality and enhance his standing as one of the industry’s more forward-thinking leaders.
What sets him apart is authenticity. Koroglu’s heritage informs his vision, but he translates it for a global audience. Guests at his establishments don’t merely eat or drink; they experience immersive spaces that honor history while embracing modern creativity. His ability to connect cultural roots with contemporary design appears to resonate with diverse audiences. He is not just curating moments; he is helping to build bridges between cultures, reminding people that hospitality is, at its heart, about human connection.
Koroglu also believes success comes with responsibility. A dedicated philanthropist, he supports preservation efforts in Cappadocia, working to protect the region’s cultural and historical treasures. This commitment reflects his broader view that hospitality should extend beyond the table to include stewardship of community and legacy. His investments in preservation reflect his broader philosophy in business: both are meant to endure and inspire.
As the hospitality industry adapts to new consumer expectations, Koroglu’s model offers a potential path forward. Guests today seek meaning, connection, and stories alongside their meals. Koroglu appears to anticipate these desires, building venues that are not only profitable but also culturally relevant. His projects balance entertainment with resonance, making him a rare leader who blends artistry with business acumen.
For Koroglu, hospitality is about endurance. Spaces should not only open with fanfare but also maintain their impact, leaving guests with lasting impressions. By combining culinary craft, atmosphere, and cultural storytelling, he is creating legacies that are likely to extend far beyond a single evening out. He is demonstrating that restaurants and nightlife spaces can be more than fleeting trends; they can develop into cultural landmarks in their own right.
With three projects on the horizon, Koroglu continues to evolve, but the core of his vision remains the same: respect for heritage, passion for craft, and an eye toward innovation. From his beginnings in Cappadocia to his influence in New York and beyond, he embodies a new model of leadership in hospitality, one that merges personal history with global ambition.
