Obituary of Mark Grossich

February 8, 2025

Mark Grossich, a visionary in the New York City hospitality industry, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on February 8, 2025, in New York City, at the age of 74 from complications due to Parkinson's disease.

Mark became a defining force in Manhattan’s restaurant and nightlife scene as the Founder and CEO of Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (HHI). Through his leadership and creativity, he established some of the city's most iconic venues, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. A true trailblazer and renaissance figure, he was responsible for some of the city’s most sophisticated cocktail lounges, outdoor cafés, restaurants, and historic venues. Current establishments include The Carnegie Club; Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge and Terrace and Madison & Vine at the Library Hotel; and The Empire Rooftop at the Empire Hotel.

Mark will be remembered for his vision, wit, humor, and entrepreneurial spirit by those who knew him and by all who enjoyed the vibrant atmospheres he created. He fostered a culture of refinement and coined his company's longstanding tagline: “New York’s Most Refreshingly Civilized Places to Meet.” HHI has been praised for reviving the classic cocktail lounge, elevating the specialty cocktail, and operating some of New York's most timeless hospitality landmarks. One of Mark's proudest moments was leading the renovation of The Campbell Apartment, transforming a former tycoon’s neglected space into a civilized cocktail establishment that specialized in “cocktails from another era.” Under his leadership, The Campbell Apartment became a New York institution.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, to Christian and Phyllis Grossich, Mark pursued higher education at Northwestern University, earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Marketing. He began his career in marketing management and consulting roles at Bristol-Myers, Saatchi & Saatchi, and Glendinning Associates. Mark's entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to establish his own successful advertising agency, public relations firm, and marketing agencies.

During the 1990s, Mark was one of the forces behind the upscale Bar & Books chain—including Hudson Bar & Books, Beekman Bar & Books, and Lexington Bar & Books. In subsequent decades, Hospitality Holdings, Inc. expanded to include The World Bar in The Trump World Tower; The Campbell Apartment in Grand Central Terminal; The Campbell Apartment Terrace in Grand Central’s Vanderbilt Avenue Portico; DAG’S Patio Café in Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza; Lexington’s at The Court Hotel; The Falls Café in Greenacre Park; and The House in Gramercy Park.

Beyond his contributions to hospitality and business innovation, Mark was deeply involved in civic engagement in Midtown Manhattan as a Board member of both the Grand Central Partnership and the Vanderbilt YMCA.

Mark is survived by his daughter Katherine (Nicholas) McGehee; granddaughter Sophie; brother Keith (Elaine) Grossich; and nephews Jeff (Dana) Grossich and David (Karen) Grossich. He will be profoundly missed by his family members as well as friends, colleagues, employees, caretakers, neighbors, and patrons. Mark Grossich’s legacy lives on through the establishments he built and the countless lives he touched along the way.

Memorial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in Mark's name. Link here: https://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=3108&np=true