Key Takeaways
- Kosta Rexinis transformed Central Jersey hospitality with inclusive venues prioritizing community over exclusivity.
- Following his immigrant father’s path, Kosta built a nightlife empire while maintaining strong family values.
- Beyond business success, Kosta’s lasting legacy is the genuine connections and meaningful spaces he created for others.
The hospitality world of Central Jersey is mourning the loss of Kosta Rexinis, one of its most cherished figures.
He was a visionary entrepreneur, community builder, and co-founder of some of the region’s most iconic venues.
His demise has sent shockwaves through a tight-knit community of friends, patrons, and colleagues who were touched by his warmth, drive, and unmatched presence.
A friend wrote in tribute,
“God needed an angel, and he chose the best. Kosta was a real stand-up guy… this one’s hard for all that knew him. RIP.”
Via Facebook
Kosta and his brother Demetri Rexinis built a nightlife empire that transformed how Jersey partied.
From the unforgettable nights at Club Abyss, Deko Lounge, and Gotham, to the lively brunches and heartfelt meals at Over Easy Kitchen, CG Pizza, and the forthcoming Madison Modern Social, Kosta left his mark on every corner of the hospitality industry.
Yet, those closest to him will remember much more than the places he helped build. They’ll remember the laughter, the loyalty, and the lessons he shared.
Another friend shared,
“You were like a brother to me. Thank you for giving me a chance all those years ago… I promise to make you proud.”
Via Facebook
A Great Legacy
Born into a family steeped in hospitality, Kosta Rexinis grew up under the guidance of his father, Yianni, who immigrated from Sparta, Greece, and began his American journey as a dishwasher.
Yianni eventually built a dining legacy, owning numerous restaurants across New York and New Jersey.
Kosta and Demetri carried forward that torch, starting young and learning every role from the bottom up.
Their breakout came with Club Abyss, a Sayreville dance club that redefined the Jersey nightlife scene in the 1990s and 2000s.
Unlike the exclusive velvet-rope clubs of Manhattan, Abyss was about inclusion, energy, and community.
Kosta once said,
“Rejection was never part of our brand. True hospitality is about making people feel welcome.”
One longtime patron wrote,
“From my early 20s at Club Abyss to my mid-40s at Gotham and the Sunday Brunch madness, I always had a great time with you & the crew.”
Even after Club Abyss closed its doors in 2011, Kosta’s passion never disappeared.
With R3 Ventures, he continued creating spaces where people could gather, celebrate, and connect, shifting focus toward day parties, elevated dining, and meaningful social moments.
A Family Man
Despite his high-profile ventures, Kosta Rexinis remained deeply grounded in Holmdel, where he and Demetri still lived, often just a walk away from one another.
He was a proud father, passing on the values of hard work and hospitality to his children, just as his father had done before him.
Kosta once said,
“Our places help people love where they live. That’s a great feeling.”
In addition to being an entrepreneur, Rexinis was a mentor, a friend, a brother, and a connector of people.
His laugh, vision, and unshakable commitment to those around him will be remembered for generations.
One close family friend wrote,
“This hit home hard for many people, including myself… I’ll miss his laugh and remember all the good times.”
Via Facebook
Another added,
“Pray for my friend and his family.”
Via Facebook
