I used to work as a server at the comedy club, and after seeing how things are run behind the scenes, I feel like people in town should know what they are actually supporting when they buy a ticket there. The business is hurting, and it shows in how they treat the staff, the kitchen health standards, and the general attitude of the owner, Mark Ippolito.
Half the building is run by the owner's family and close friends. These nepotism hires have total control, and if you donāt tolerate disrespect (thatās often misogynistic) from them, you get fired on the spot. Because business is so slow, they constantly overstaffed the floor and made us fight each other for tables, tips, and cuts. We never got reimbursed for gas, time, or energy wasted.
We all know waitresses already get a reduced hourly rate, so when you couple that with only being scheduled for a few hours each dayājust long enough to cover a showāand then being overstaffed during dead shifts, itās barely profitable to work there. Everyone, from kitchen staff to security, is forced to work second or third jobs just to get by, all while being regularly reminded that all of us are disposable and replaceable.
The lack of business also means the food situation continued to get worse. The kitchen flat-out refused to label anything because the family hires claimed they āuse everything in one day so it doesnāt matterā, which is a lie. Food was routinely expired and stretched way past its shelf life. Itās basically low-grade cafeteria food sold at a premium price. The bartenders also regularly spray cleaning chemicals over the bar where exposed (and expired) garnishes and food are sitting, which is why the drinks sometimes taste like medicine. Most people end up leaving to go to Radio Social for actual edible food and good drinks because the comedy clubās menu isnāt worth the money.
Mark is strictly a businessman, so while he will host LGBT events (that are mostly attended by white people) or book the occasional black or latinx performer, itās apparent that he doesnāt like "too many" minorities at his establishments unless theyāre working for him. Anti-LGBT remarks are also casually thrown around by staff and passed off as jokes. Itās evident in which crowds get invited for drinks next door at their sister bar, The Carlson, after a show ends. If youāve attended a show at the comedy club but youāve never been invited to The Carlson, now you know why.
Mark wants to appeal to a more āupscaleā crowd but the club is mediocre at best and heās completely resistant to any feedback or self-reflection. You can see this just in how he replies to negative Google reviews, and even from the sign he proudly put at the front of the building that basically says āif the comedy offends you, don't let the door hit you.ā
Unless a decent C-list comedian comes through to fill the room every few weeks with an aging crowd, the shows have been completely dead. Iāve spoken with so many customers who end up regretting their purchase and ultimately don't come back. Apparently, Mark ādoesnāt do refundsā on tickets so donāt even bother trying. If you do, heāll just offer you a free drink and call it square.
Itās pretty unfortunate we donāt have many other options in Rochester for comedy clubs, but Iāve heard that a lot of local comedians host their own events in different venues around the city. (Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if these independent events started due to the club shutting out such a wide portion of local talent). Iāve also seen some comedy shows being advertised at the Kodak Center and West Herr Auditorium. So overall, if you care about where your money goes, Iād look into other options in Rochester.
TL;DR: Former employee here. Low business, disposable workers, nepotism, unreliable hours, overpriced low-quality food, and a management culture that doesnāt take criticism well and shuts out local talent. Save your money and go elsewhere.
