Red Carpet Treatment to Some of the Neighborhood’s Most Sought After Shops, Restaurants and Alike Included
By Nick Antonicello
Venice is an internationally known tourist destination and living here makes it all the more eclectic and unique.
Thanks to locals Alex Kissin & Jennie Turner, they have created an exclusive membership just for Venetians, which offers red carpet treatment to some of the neighborhood’s most sought after shops, restaurants and alike, as this urban beach enclave climbs out of the pandemic and reestablishes itself as a place to shop, stay, party, invest, rent or purchase a property or home!
Take a peak at www.veniceinsiderpass.com for the benefits and perks of being on the inside, so to speak!
Below is our interview with these two passionate entrepreneurs:
What is Venice Insider Pass and tell us about yourselves?
Venice Insider Pass (VIP) offers those who live and work in Venice exclusive benefits at beloved neighborhood restaurants, shops, and bars. We believe as a local, you should feel like a VIP.
We’re a husband and wife duo who moved to Venice in 2016. Our two-year-old son, Weston, is named for the streets on which we’ve lived, Westminster and now Horizon. We made Venice home because it is unlike any other part of LA. It is a textured and dynamic community, a walkable city that’s also visited by 10 million tourists annually. As such, we were always baffled that there was no formalized locals benefit card. Many places or individual workers “hooked it up” for recognized faces and friends; we simply wanted to share and expand that love.
What was the motivation to create this product and service?
While we attended Venice Neighborhood Council and Ocean Front Walk meetings on the unhoused, RV, and business turnover issues, the unexpected demolition of the Windward playground earlier this year really catalyzed us to engage local businesses and stakeholders – so it spurred the idea of Venice Insider Pass. We felt VIP could be a mechanism to support the community while encouraging local commerce and fostering community spirit. Mostly, VIP is a way for us to contribute and meaningfully connect to this vibrant neighborhood we hold so dear.
How many individuals have an Insider Pass?
As of this week, there are just over 300 ‘Founder Edition’ Venice Insider Passes in circulation, all of which were lovingly homemade at our kitchen table.
Is this a membership as well as a service?
Yes, VIP is both a membership and a service. Members purchase an annual subscription granting them access to a variety of exclusive deals and discounts at participating local businesses. Look out for more membership perks and activities coming down the road!
Where are you located?
We’re based out of our home just off the Boardwalk but VIP collaborates with businesses throughout Venice.
Why subscribe?
Subscribing to VIP grants one exclusive offer at numerous local spots from skipping that Saturday night line at Roosterfish to 20% off Butcher’s Daughter’s breakfast, a free glass of Champagne at Owa, to 15% off at Green Goddess for example. The benefits vary and hopefully hit all your local needs and desires. Our list of partners is growing weekly! So, if you don’t see your go-to places now you very well may soon; all the more reason to get Venice Insider Pass now while it’s still at the Founder Edition pricing.
Is Venice back from COVID-19?
We’d say so but it’s changed a bit. We’ve noticed the majority of people are home when we deliver their passes in the middle of the day, leading us to believe more Venetians are WFH in the post-Covid era. More of us, therefore, are eating, drinking, and shopping locally and to be acknowledged, then, as a local with VIP encourages a greater sense of community and pride in the neighborhood. There have also been several excellent spots that have opened since 2021 that have enriched the neighborhood immensely.
What are three things people need to know about Venice Insider Pass?
Exclusive Benefits: You’ll enjoy exclusive benefits at beloved local spots making you feel like the VIP you are.
Community Oriented: VIP is supporting and promoting local businesses in the hope of fostering a stronger community.
(Re)Discover Venice: While Venice is small, there are, as you know, many Venices. VIP can, therefore, help one discover new spots and encourage one to patronize places they rarely frequent.
Any recent updates or changes to your program?
Our friends at “Small Circle” transformed our look and website. If you’re in need of branding help, hit up Sasha and his team—they’re ace!
Our price is going up! Lock in the Founder Edition pricing while you still can.
Nick Antonicello is a thirty-one year resident who covers all things Venice. He is a member of the Oceanfront Walk Committee of the Venice Neighborhood Council. Have a take or tip for a story? Contact him via e-mail at nantoni@mindspring.com
