With over 50 years in the industry creating, launching and operating multiple venues across the globe, SJS Group’s co-founders Joshua Schwartz and Sarissa Rodriguez bring decades of hospitality experience to the brand portfolio. Its collection includes Bang Bang Nightclub, Employees Only Singapore, LuLu's Lounge Singapore, Papi's Tacos, Pasta Bar, and Pælet Bar.
With years of collective talent in some of the USA’s most prestigious nightlife venues, Josh and Sarissa’s moved to Singapore in 2011, as part of the team to lead the illustrious Pangaea nightclub to worldwide fame, achieving the accolade of world’s highest grossing nightclub per square foot.
From working with the likes of Andre Balaz (The Standard Hotel) to Keith McNally (Balthazar), and a database into its tens of thousands, the couple brought a combined force of unrivalled hospitality expertise to Asia. Having made a strong impact on the Singapore nightlife scene, the duo established one of Asia’s leading nightclubs, Bang Bang, in 2014.
In 2016, Joshua and Sarissa founded the SJS Group as a platform for their future ventures. Almost immediately was the launch of the highly successful, NYC-famed Employees Only bar in Singapore – the bar industry’s worst kept secret.
In 2017, Joshua and Sarissa pioneered the late and live lounge, LuLu’s. Inspired by their eclectic Manhattan days, LuLu is a fictional character brought up in the Bronx with a skewed aesthetic for the “nice” things in life. Every aspect of her outlandish character is reflected in her bar where everything is over the top. LuLu’s opened in April 2017 at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore.
In July 2018, the latest innovation under the SJS Group was born: Papi’s Tacos - a vibrant taqueria reminiscent of the back-alley dining scene of Central Mexico. Papi’s offers a casual setting for lunch and dinner, bringing heartfelt hospitality, honest Mexican fare steeped in tradition and an animated atmosphere. Diners are treated to a fuss-free Mexican spread and passionate service from a kitchen helmed by Executive Chef and Partner Mauricio ‘Papi’ Espinoza, who uses his Mexican heritage to bring to life a simple yet high-quality selection of savoury tacos and native dishes.
In February 2019, they opened Pasta Bar, an intimate alcove dedicated to the celebration of pasta, seasonal produce and all things Italian. Welcoming guests with a generous dose of heartfelt hospitality, the animated open kitchen and bar is reminiscent of Italy’s laid-back counter culture - an atmospheric, intimate setting for dinner.
In October 2023, SJS Group, together with Joe Haywood and the Papi’s Tacos team, opened Pælet Bar, the newest sensation to hit Chinatown’s vibrant scene. This exciting venture brings together a star-studded ensemble of industry professionals who are all set to elevate the dining and drinking experience on Keong Saik Road.
Pæl.et seamlessly fuses art, design, and culinary excellence, crafting an immersive experience by repurposing Singaporean shipping pallets as a unifying desing element sourced from global wood varienties, and showcasing the team’s commitment to creativity.
The venue showcases local artists collaborations, adorning its walls with captivating exhibitions, while its cocktail menu, curated by Haywood, embodies a dedication to harmonizing flavours, abstract ingredients and cultural diversity, encapsulating a truly unique and flavorful journey.
