If you’re part of New York City’s downtown scene, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Brett David —or at least tried to charm your way past him at the door. A nightlife connoisseur, Brett (aka @daddydoitall) has spent decades shaping, observing, and defining what it means to experience the city that never sleeps after dark. From male model cater waiter to the face of exclusive venues like Highlight Room and Loosie’s, Brett’s career reads like a love letter to the electric chaos of NYC nights.
And as the founder of Ludlow Vintage Supply, Brett knows that the right layers can make a statement anywhere, whether it’s after a night out or a morning-after stroll through the Lower East Side. Case in point: his choice of robes, effortlessly styled over streetwear for a look that blends downtown grit with undeniable ease.
In this Q&A, Brett dishes on everything from the wildest antics he’s seen at the door to why standing out matters more than fitting in. So slip into something bold, grab a drink, and get ready to learn from a true nightlife veteran.
Photos courtesy of Brett David
Q&A with Brett David
Kassatex: How did you start out in the industry?
Brett David: I started out in the industry in my early 20’s, right out of college. I was a tall, fairly good looking young man and got right into the male model cater waiter scene, doing all sorts of high end fashion and society parties. I fell in love with the glitz and the glamour, so much that I started my own catering agency and company at 26 years old. When I grew apathetic of that business by 30, I went into restaurant management. And the rest is history.
Kassatex: What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen while working the door?
BD: It might not be the single wildest thing, but let me tell you– I cannot count the times I’ve seen girls crying outside, walking barefoot on the gross NYC streets, or the young men walking out shirtless. Sir, what happened to your shirt?! I’ll never understand.
Kassatex: Who was the most unexpected celebrity you ever let in?
BD: Martha Stewart came into my club 2 weeks ago for Snoop Dogg’s birthday, along with Dr Dre. Talk about a dream trio.
Kassatex: Any secret tips for getting into exclusive clubs?
BD: No secret tips for getting in. But dressing not just well, but different will help. Don’t be a Kardashian, dressing exactly like every other person in line. Dare to be different. It won’t hurt you.
Kassatex: Which venue has the best vibe in your opinion?
BD: I hate to use the word “vibes” in my daily vernacular– it’s like saying “trendy” and between the two of them I don’t know which word is worse. But I love what we are doing at Highlight Room and Loosie’s. Those are the venues that myself and my best friend Benny run at the Moxy LES for Tao Group– it’s a two stop shop that the downtown kids love and so do the athletes, actors and musicians. DJ talent is top tier, and Benny and I make sure the crowds are more hit than miss. We have a massive group of regulars that keep the party and the registers moving, it’s been 2 years and we are only getting better.
Photo courtesy of Brett David
Photo courtesy of Loosie’s
Kassatex: If you could describe NYC nightlife in one word, what would it be?
BD: ALIVE.
Kassatex: How has the NYC nightlife scene changed over the years?
BD: Nightlife has changed via social media and camera phones. If someone can’t get in for any reason they don’t agree with, they very well may try to “cancel” you, by camera phone videos, and lying about what happened on IG or TikTok in hopes to go viral for clout and make the door person and venue look bad. That wasn’t the case in 1998 when I started going to clubs as a young man.
Kassatex: What keeps you coming back to the job?
BD: While everyone else is out spending money in the club, I’m getting paid to be there. And, I’m a people person. I was not made to sit behind a desk, and I don’t know how to use EXCEL. Luckily, I excel at a few other things more than most.
