As part of our visit to the USA to participate in the Premier League Summer Series, we’re working in partnership with Intuit QuickBooks to spotlight local small business owners in New York and New Jersey who are also passionate West Ham United supporters…
From humble beginnings as a journalist with a love of laughter, Hammers fan Cris Italia has navigated an incredible journey to become the co-owner of The Stand - one of New York’s most prestigious comedy venues.
Having originally pursued a career writing about sport, news and health, both in the USA and across the world, Brooklyn native Cris spent much of his spare time between assignments in the Big Apple’s comedy clubs, where he quickly spotted a gap in the market.
Noticing space for an all-in-one experience offering good food, drinks and entertainment, and after taking some baby steps behind the scenes in the industry, he and his brother Paul decided to take the plunge, together opening their first version of The Stand back in 2012.
Sustained success was quickly achieved, and a move to their current location in the Gramercy Park/Union Square area of New York followed in 2019, where they have welcomed multiple global stars such as Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Adam Sandler and Jimmy Carr.
“It’s really rewarding to be able to look back at what we’ve been able to do,” Cris said. “I didn’t ever think my original idea would actually happen, but I just kind of left one industry and moved into another, my brother got involved, and that’s how The Stand was born.
“We’ve had difficult periods, including having to shut our doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the tragic death of one of our partners, but we’ve always bounced back thanks to the people who help us every day, and the community that supports us so much.
“We just try to help everyone have a good time, and enjoy a full experience. That applies to the comedians, too, who we’ve loved building relationships with and watching grow over time. Thankfully, things have gone really well, and we’re now working on opening up a new venue in Miami, which is really exciting.”
For the Italia brothers, and their partner Patrick Milligan, community is key to their achievements, with both their staff and customers central to everything they do.
Another community close to Cris’ heart is that of the West Ham family, with a visit to the Smithfield Hall bar to watch an Irons clash with the NYC Hammers in the early 2010s triggering a love affair that continues to consume him morning, noon and night.
Cris said: “Many of the people who work here at The Stand have done so for a long time now, and we’ve really become a family. We’ve survived all the tough times together, and we appreciate them all so much.
“It’s the same for the people who visit us, and around the local area. I think small businesses like ours are what New York was built on, and the environment we’ve tried to create is one where people want to be. It’s a great feeling to have so many good people involved in different areas.
“Another space where I feel like-minded people come together is for West Ham. I grew up a big soccer fan, and one day one of my friends invited me to watch a Hammers game. He warned me it was pretty addictive, and as soon as I got there, I was hooked.
“Suddenly, every weekend I found myself watching the matches, and I soon got to a place where I couldn’t live without it. I went to my first live game at London Stadium in 2017, against Manchester United, and even though we lost, I felt the energy take over my whole body.
“I think there are similarities between comedy and football, in terms of the welcoming nature of the community, the camaraderie and the experience, and I really couldn’t live without either!”
The Club and Intuit Quickbooks teamed up to gift a delighted Cris a new 2025/26 Home shirt and two tickets to Saturday’s Premier League Summer Series clash against the Red Devils, this time much closer to his home at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Now, he is looking forward to following the team’s remaining Summer Series endeavours against Everton in Chicago, Illinois and AFC Bournemouth in Atlanta, Georgia, before hopefully attending another fixture back at London Stadium during the upcoming Premier League campaign.
“Last year when West Ham visited Florida for the Sunshine State Tour, I couldn’t make it, and I was kicking myself,” added Cris. “At that point, I had no idea when West Ham might be back in the USA!
“So it’s amazing that they’re here again, and were so close to my doorstep. There really is a whole lot of love for the Club in New York, New Jersey and the whole country, and it’s so exciting for the West Ham community over here to be able to get a chance to see them up close!
“I’m really grateful to the Club and Intuit Quickbooks for the shirt and the chance to be there on Saturday, and I can’t wait to get back over to London and reunite with the whole West Ham family once more. Come on you Irons!”
For more information about Intuit QuickBooks, click HERE.
Click HERE for more on The Stand comedy club.
