Key Takeaways:

  • Xanadu is creating a new kind of nightlife experience centered on community. By moving beyond traditional bars and clubs, Xanadu offers a “third place” where people can connect, express themselves, and experience joy through roller skating, music, and shared experiences.
  • A .NYC domain reinforces Xanadu’s identity as a uniquely New York institution. The venue chose Xanadu.nyc to highlight its connection to the city’s rich roller skating history and its goal of becoming part of NYC’s next cultural chapter.

 

Xanadu (Xanadu.nyc), a dynamic new roller skating venue in the heart of New York City, is reinventing the concept of a night out. Opened in June 2024, this unique space blends the nostalgia of roller skating with diverse musical and cultural experiences, offering a refreshing alternative to the typical bar or club scene.  

The timing of its grand opening was a major entrepreneurial risk. RollerJam USA in Staten Island, the only year-round indoor roller rink in NYC for nearly 20 years, closed in May 2024, just a month before Xanadu opened its doors in June 2024.  

 

But beyond its impressive design and vibrant atmosphere, Xanadu is a company built with a deep commitment to community.  

 

The story of Xanadu begins with Varun Kataria, Owner and Creative Director, who sought to create a more sustainable and meaningful business model after opening The Sultan Room, just as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. With a vision to build a business that could weather challenges and bring people together, Kataria turned to roller skating as a powerful tool for connection and joy.  

Kataria noticed a gap in the nightlife market: People are yearning for a community beyond work, but what’s typically on offer – bars and clubs where drinking is the main focus – falls short.  


 

“Roller skating allows people to access a 'third place'—a space that doesn’t prioritize going mentally offline to have a good time,” explains Landau. “You can still dress up, listen to tunes, groove, and decide whether or not you want to drink, all while having a magnificent experience." 

Xanadu's approach breaks away from the typical nightlife norms. It also bucks the trend of everyone typically attached to their screens and mobile devices. “Roller skating also takes people out of their social pods and requires them to mix and interact with others,” says Landau. It’s a place where dance, music, and freedom of expression shine, and where visitors are empowered to embrace connection in an environment that fosters inclusivity.  

 

"Our intention is to give you days filled with flow and nights that change your life. We believe that humans were made to dance, play, and love," says Kataria. "This is a place to experience art and enjoy existing in our bodies. We want all guests to walk away with a sense of having found a home away from home." 

 

Xanadu is more than just a roller rink. It’s an experience, says Landau. “We want all guests to come away with a sense of having found a home away from home. Laughter, freedom, community, quality, and transcendence are just a few of the feelings we hope our visitors will walk away with.” 

 

From its opening night, which marked the culmination of 18 months of dreaming and building, Xanadu has been committed to creating a space where people can come together, embrace the art of roller skating, and share in unforgettable moments. 

 

A critical element of Xanadu’s identity is its deep connection to the city it calls home. New York City has a rich history of roller rinks, from the vibrant skating culture of the 1970s and 1980s to community-driven pop-up rinks that continue to bring people together today. Now, Xanadu is determined to be part of the city's next chapter in roller skating. 

 

"We chose a .NYC domain because we wanted to establish ourselves as a uniquely New York establishment," Landau explains. "The history of roller rinks in NYC has ebbed and flowed, and we are proud to help write the next chapter, with the support of the community that has built and sustained this incredible culture." 

 

With its blend of creativity, resilience, and commitment to community, Xanadu is a place where people can rediscover the joy of roller skating, meet new people, and engage with the city's vibrant cultural tapestry in a whole new way. 

 

As Kataria, Landau, and team continue to grow Xanadu, their philosophy is simple: surround yourself with a great team, and your wildest dreams can become reality. With a loyal following already behind them, Xanadu is set to become a staple in the New York City scene, offering not just a fun night out, but an experience that changes lives.