Entertainment Post

Entertainment Post Logo
Menu
Entertainment Post Logo

CityNest Hotel LLC: Redefining Urban Hospitality for the Global Era

Entertainment Post Staff on October 1, 2025

By: Phoebe Jones

Market Pressure Meets Structural Gaps

With global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, the U.S. hospitality sector, particularly in New York City, is preparing for an increase in visitor numbers. However, even in regular years, traditional hotel infrastructure faces challenges in meeting the diverse and evolving needs of urban tourism.

Enter CityNest Hotel LLC, a forward-thinking hospitality venture founded by real estate entrepreneur Evgeny Varfolomeev. With 240 rooms located at 125 Bowery in Manhattan, CityNest is more than just a hotel. It is a scalable lodging solution designed to serve high-demand cities through innovative density, modular design, and tech-enabled efficiency.

A Model Designed for the Moment, and Beyond

CityNest takes inspiration from the Single Room Occupancy (SRO) concept, a historically affordable urban lodging format. This model has been reimagined into a modern, legal, and guest-oriented version. The approach incorporates several key elements:

  • Compact Rooms
    Designed with high density and efficiency in mind, these rooms offer privacy while maintaining affordability.
  • Shared Amenities
    Communal spaces like lounges, kitchens, and workspaces reduce the overall footprint of the hotel.
  • Automation
    User-friendly autonomous systems streamline check-in, housekeeping, and operations.
  • Lean Staffing Models
    By using efficient staffing practices, CityNest manages to control operational costs without compromising on service.

Slated to open in mid-2026, just ahead of the FIFA World Cup, CityNest is positioned to accommodate a diverse range of travelers, including business professionals, essential workers, and tourists. However, CityNest is not simply a one-off solution for major events. Instead, it is designed as a sustainable long-term model for how urban hotels can adapt to rising demand and limited space.

Hospitality That Scales: Modular, Replicable, and Legal

The current hospitality market is divided between traditional hotels and short-term rentals. In this context, CityNest fills a gap by offering a middle ground.

Key features that set this model apart include:

  • Legally Compliant
     Fully permitted, CityNest ensures it avoids the issues faced by unregulated short-term rentals (STRs).
  • Mid-range Pricing
     Positioned between traditional hotels and Airbnb, CityNest offers higher quality control than typical short-term rentals.
  • Efficient Land Use
     With a high room count and compact footprint, this model is especially suitable for dense cities.
  • Modular Construction
     CityNest’s design is easily replicable and adaptable for cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami.

Designed for scalability, the CityNest model brings economic activity, employment, and hospitality access to urban centers across the U.S., while minimizing the overhead costs typically associated with larger hotel chains.

Economic and Societal Impact: A Smarter Way to House Visitors

CityNest is a response to multiple national and local policy challenges:

  • Housing and Tourism Coexistence
    The hotel solution accommodates short-term visitors without displacing long-term residents.
  • Event-driven Demand Surges
    CityNest’s adaptable design helps it respond effectively to seasonal and global tourism spikes.
  • Urban Economic Development
    Job creation in construction, tech, and operations supports local economies.

At full capacity, CityNest properties contribute significantly to tourism revenue, support local businesses, and provide a replicable model for sustainable urban hospitality. This model can be easily implemented in cities experiencing similar pressures to manage demand.

A Return to Civic-Minded Hospitality

CityNest represents more than just high-density lodging. It’s about reimagining what modern urban hospitality could look like in the 21st century: accessible, intelligent, and grounded in community.

Evgeny Varfolomeev, the founder, reflects: “This is about more than one address. It’s a model for how cities can stay open, welcoming, and functional—even under the heaviest global pressure.”

CityNest’s philosophy is that cities shouldn’t have to choose between affordability and quality or scale and service. Through innovative architecture and data-informed design, CityNest demonstrates how modern hospitality can meet urban challenges in a sustainable manner.

Summary: A Blueprint for Resilient, Replicable Urban Lodging

As cities prepare for an influx of international guests, the need for flexible, legal, and economically sustainable hotels has become more pressing. CityNest offers a solution where cities can remain vibrant, welcoming, and functional, without sacrificing affordability, space, or policy alignment.

With its first site set to open in Manhattan and a scalable model designed for replication, CityNest aims to not only redefine hospitality in urban environments but also shape the future of urban lodging as we know it.

Teddy Greaves Jr. Brings Fresh Soul to Kool & The Gang Classic with New Single “Joanna”

Entertainment Post Staff on October 1, 2025

Teddy Greaves Jr., a renowned vocalist with a rich musical heritage, is set to release a soulful reinterpretation of Kool & The Gang’s beloved hit “Joanna” on September 19, 2025. Known for his velvet tone, versatility, and stage presence, Teddy’s fresh take on the classic will resonate with both old and new listeners alike.

A Fresh Take on a Classic Song

“Joanna” has long been a cherished song in the world of soul and R&B music, originally performed by Kool & The Gang in the 1980s. Teddy Greaves Jr. takes this timeless hit and infuses it with his own artistry, blending nostalgia with modern elegance. His version of the song stays true to its essence, while showcasing his smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery that have captivated audiences for years.

Teddy’s commitment to paying homage to the original while making it his own is evident in his performance. As he shares, “Joanna has always been one of my favorite songs. Kool & The Gang created something truly special, and I wanted to honor that legacy while making it my own. It’s about love, beauty, and timeless melodies—something we all need more of in today’s world.”

Teddy Greaves Jr.’s Musical Journey

Born in Jamaica and raised between the Bahamas and the United States, Teddy Greaves Jr. was destined to become a musician. His earliest inspirations came from the time he spent at the legendary Jack Tar Hotel in West End, Grand Bahama, where his father and other musicians performed. These formative experiences ignited his lifelong passion for music and performance.

At just 11 years old, Teddy’s natural talent was evident when he performed a rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon” at the Turtle Walk Supper Club in Freeport, Bahamas. His voice captivated the audience, foreshadowing the successful career that would follow.

Teddy’s career began to take shape as he joined the acclaimed Bahamian funk and disco band T-Connection. Later, he pursued a more expansive music career, performing with reggae groups like Paul Lawton and the Night People and Roots Uprising. These groups allowed Teddy to showcase his artistry at iconic venues such as the Village Inn in Coconut Grove, Miami, where they earned attention from reggae legends Inner Circle.

Teddy’s musical trajectory continued to evolve as he formed JaRock, a collective that included some of the Caribbean’s renowned musicians. JaRock caught the attention of music legend Stevie Wonder, which led to more opportunities and collaborations that would shape Teddy’s musical journey.

Diverse Sound and Stage Presence

Teddy Greaves Jr.’s musical career encompasses a diverse range of genres, including reggae, soul, jazz, and R&B. His commanding stage presence and smooth vocal delivery have made him a favorite in intimate jazz clubs and grand stages alike. His ability to seamlessly transition between different musical styles while maintaining his unique sound has earned him fans from all walks of life.

Even during his time serving in the military, Teddy never gave up on his musical dreams. He formed bands such as Aurora and Balero, performing across the United States and at notable events, including the Women’s Fast Pitch Softball Tournament in Columbus, Georgia. His ability to balance a military career while pursuing his passion for music speaks to his dedication and love for his craft.

Teddy Greaves Jr. was also a former member of The Fantells, the legendary reggae group initially formed in Jamaica in 1975. His time with the band helped solidify his place in reggae history, and his influence remains felt in the genre today.

Anticipation for “Joanna” and Upcoming Album

Fans of soul, jazz, and contemporary R&B can expect to be moved by Teddy’s interpretation of “Joanna.” His rendition captures the heart and warmth of the original while adding his personal touch, making it a refreshing addition to any playlist. This release marks the first single from an upcoming album that Teddy is working on in collaboration with Ed Robinson and Joanna Marie of Global Digital Records.

Teddy’s ability to connect with his audience on a deep, emotional level through his music is one of the reasons his fans continue to come back. Whether performing in intimate settings or on grand stages, his presence is magnetic, and his voice carries a warmth that is both comforting and engaging. With the release of “Joanna,” Teddy Greaves Jr. continues to honor the timeless melodies of the past while establishing his place in contemporary music.

A Bright Future for Teddy Greaves Jr.

With decades of experience and a rich musical lineage, Teddy Greaves Jr. is far from finished. As he continues to explore new musical landscapes, his voice remains one of the most powerful in the industry. His upcoming single, “Joanna,” is just the beginning of another exciting chapter in his storied career. The track was created in collaboration with Joanna Marie of Global Digital Records, who also served as a source of inspiration for the single. Fans of classic soul, jazz, and R&B will find this new rendition of “Joanna” irresistible. It’s a perfect fusion of the old and the new, showcasing Teddy Greaves Jr.’s ability to breathe new life into timeless music.

For press inquiries, interviews, or bookings, please contact them through this website.

Yijun Zhu’s Approach to Rewriting the Rules of Vertical Drama

Entertainment Post Staff on October 1, 2025

By: Damian Kerr

Los Angeles — Vertical drama has evolved from a fringe experiment into a format that attracts billions of views in just three years, reshaping how audiences consume stories in the age of TikTok and mobile binge-watching. However, as the format continues to mature, a noticeable pattern has emerged: many English-language verticals still rely on formulas that are often borrowed from Chinese ‘beta’ shows that have been proven overseas. While this approach is not uncommon, it remains a prevalent model.

That’s where screenwriter Yijun Zhu stands out. Armed with a master’s degree in screenwriting from UCLA and Hollywood training, Zhu has emerged as one of the few creators in the space capable of balancing two competing demands: delivering the addictive, high-stakes twists that vertical audiences expect, while also creating space for originality and cultural specificity that resonates with Western viewers.

“Most of what you see are adaptations, copy-and-paste frameworks repackaged with English dialogue,” says one industry observer. “Zhu doesn’t just adapt. She examines what makes a story work in the West, what feels authentic, and builds from there.”

Yijun Zhu's Approach to Rewriting the Rules of Vertical Drama

Photo Courtesy: Yijun Zhu

Breaking Beyond the Beta

Since its inception, Western vertical apps have often leaned on Chinese prototypes: domineering CEOs, endless bullying cycles, predictable slaps and rescues. Zhu, who has written and produced more than a dozen vertical dramas, acknowledges the foundation but isn’t limited to it.

In her most recent sweet romance show, You Drive Me Crazy (2025), she took the familiar beats of a popular Chinese property but reimagined the heroine as a car restorer — a distinctly American spin that transformed cliché into more nuanced character depth. In Her Double, His Trouble (2025), she pushed further, incorporating thriller elements into a genre that often leans toward simple revenge tropes. And in The Lost Quarterback Returns (2025), Zhu flipped the gender on a classic “lost child” storyline, creating the very first YA male vertical that became a massive hit and quickly gained a following.

“The work has to feel lived-in,” Zhu says. “Even when I’m asked to adapt, my job is to sand down the illogic, stitch in research, and find the heartbeat that actually resonates with an American audience.”

A Faster, Riskier Medium

Vertical dramas operate at warp speed compared to Hollywood. Writers can see their scripts shot, edited, and streamed within months. The upside: almost immediate audience feedback. The downside: there’s nowhere to hide. If a story is flat, retention can drop significantly overnight.

Zhu embraces the pace. “You don’t have the luxury of three years in development. You write, you adapt and adjust, you learn in real time. That pressure is also what makes it thrilling.”

Her willingness to explore new genres — YA sports drama, 90s rom-com throwbacks, even projects without central romance arcs — has earned her a reputation as one of the format’s more daring creators.

From UCLA to the Global Stage

Before entering verticals, Zhu trained in traditional screenwriting at UCLA and worked with veteran Hollywood producers. That background is evident in her work. Where many vertical scripts rely on shorthand, Zhu insists on structure, motivation, and texture. Critics have taken notice: The Return of My Drama Queen (2024) was hailed as “more expansive than the genre” by reviewers, with its Marie Antoinette-in-Hollywood concept winning over some initial skeptics of the medium.

For Zhu, the goal is more than just clicks. It’s about proving that vertical drama can expand beyond mere imitation. “This is still a young form. But young forms shape their future quickly. If we only chase formulas, the audience will likely outgrow us. If we take risks, if we find stories rooted in our own cultures, this could be a medium with lasting potential.”