Check Out Nick Kostis’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Kostis.

Hi Nick, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Nick began as an educator started out as a social studies teacher in West Lafayette Schools and his trail of helping children led him through Washington County Schools, Oberlin City Schools and Tallmadge City Schools where he was the Director of Pupil Personnel Services.
Those who know Nick know he is a man that likes to keep busier than most and has never heard the phrase ‘idle hands.’ During his time as an educator he founded and operated ‘Health Beverages, Inc’ to distribute 100% natural fruit juices via coin-operated vending machines. It grew into a full line food and beverage vending company serving three counties. Nick’s full transition into the hospitality industry happened quite by accident when he stumbled onto what would become the Little Bar & Grill in 1984, an establishment that was small but mighty and contributed to the redevelopment of the Historic Warehouse District.
From there, Nick opened Hilarities Comedy Clubs beginning in 1985 and over that time, Hilarities has been a launching pad for notable acts including Jerry Seinfeld, Paul Reiser, Tim Allen, Steve Harvey, Drew Carey and countless others of both local and national notoriety.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Any business has encounters obstacles and detours along the way but nothing great was ever achieved without constancy of purpose and the drive to overcome unexpected setbacks.
Among many challenges there are a few that stand out.
-After pioneering an area in downtown that was on it’s way to revitalization we lost our lease after 12 years by Emanate Domain and the search for a new location began.
-After two years of negotiations, drawing up plans and about to begin work, we were forced to voluntarily vacate the lease and the process for a new location began again.
-After searching new locations and led us finally East Fourth Street. The next few years proved challenging. This plan was not only ambitious but required multiple design and build approvals from the Landlord, City and the State.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The first chapter of Nick’s career began a long way from comedy and conviviality, in the education world. Nick received his degree in secondary education from the University of Rio Grande in 1964 and went on to receive a master of education degree in counseling from Ohio University four years later. Shortly after, he pursued post-masters studies at The Ohio State University’s School of Psychology. His time as an educator started out as a social studies teacher in West Lafayette Schools and his trail of helping children led him through Washington County Schools, Oberlin City Schools and Tallmadge City Schools where he was the Director of Pupil Personnel Services.
Those who know Nick know he is a man that likes to keep busier than most and has never heard the phrase ‘idle hands.’ During his time as an educator he founded and operated ‘Health Beverages, Inc’ to distribute 100% natural fruit juices via coin-operated vending machines. It grew into a full line food and beverage vending company serving three counties. Nick’s full transition into the hospitality industry happened quite by accident when he stumbled onto what would become the Little Bar & Grill in 1984, an establishment that was small but mighty and contributed to the redevelopment of the Historic Warehouse District.
I’ve always enjoyed my first calling of teaching and counseling and the profession of Psychology and how these endeavors contributed to the well being of others. My life journey led me finally to Comedy because of how affected and contributed to a shared experience, which touched lives

What’s next?
As hard as it may be to start a business the more changeling effort is to maintain and sustain a standard that remains relevant and successful. We continue to adapt to the changing demands of the public.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pickwickandfrolic.com
• Instagram: @hilarities
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/hilarities
• Twitter: hilarities.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hilarities