Kip McClanahan’s been in Austin for a long time, graduating from the University of Texas with an Electrical Engineering degree in the 90s. A dozen years ago, he purchased a piece of property that in 2018 would become home to The Pershing House, Austin’s first members-only social club. But, don’t let its private status mislead you into thinking it’s pretentious. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The spaces at The Pershing are cloaked in velvet and kindness, with hospitality and human connection at the core of the club.
When we spoke with Kip and he said the impetus for opening the club was because, “ The city's growth seemed to demand a place that started to celebrate and protect what was special about Austin and celebrate the best of our city's music, food, art and culture. It was important to capture that “original Austin” vibe that would resonate with Austinites, no matter how long you’ve lived here. In doing so, the intent was to create an experience where our members could connect with each other or find space just to be themselves,” adding, “I believe we succeeded.” Here’s more from our conversation.
How has what Pershing’s become today pivoted from your initial idea?
At a societal level, I think we're all currently experiencing increasing social atrophy. Our busy lives and careers, our dang phones, social media, Netflix binging, global uncertainty, the stress that comes with that and 100 other things are creating a crisis of disconnection. I think Pershing's initial idea around amazing spaces, people, art, food, drinks and service are becoming table stakes for what now seems more important: a place where people can engage meaningfully with one another. This is bigger than our original vision and seems critically important today. Perhaps this is more of an evolution than a pivot. It’s a place for disconnecting, connecting or re-connecting – it depends on you!
What have been some highlights from the last seven years?
There are so many. We have incredible signature events around holidays like Halloween and some of the artists we've had at Pershing have been stunning. Our recent Pershing Talks speaker series featured 4-star General James Rainey speaking on the Future of War; it was eye-opening! Wu Tang Clan made pizzas in our pizza oven after a show; we passed on Lizzo (wish we could take that one back!) and had Bishop Briggs (she was fantastic!) play during one ACL Fest; The Surrealist Ball Halloween party stands out. Our annual Friendsgiving at Thanksgiving is a pretty special event. In January of this year, we hosted a month-long tasting experience for Hestia just before they received their Michelin star. Artist Bill Tavis spent a weekend painting a mural in our house - amazing to see and even more amazing to watch him do it.
How often are you at The Pershing House?
I’m there every week for one reason or another. The food program we have now run by chef Mike Warnock is incredible - some of the very best in Austin. I'd probably eat dinner there every night if my schedule allowed it!
What’s something about The Pershing House you’re most proud of?
Without question: Our members and staff and the community they've created at Pershing.
You have over 2000 reciprocal clubs, which one have you visited most often?
The clubs in London and New York, but I have my sights on so many more. One thing we've thought about doing is creating some fun "passport" program for our members where we can track and compete on who can visit the most around the world over time. It's an incredible global network that we will keep growing; being treated like a local member when you visit our reciprocal clubs is an amazing experience and our members feel it's a huge value.
For all the people new to Austin, why would you tell them they should join The Pershing?
One reason is that Pershing creates an instant community for our members. If you have recently moved to Austin, a shortcut to the best people and culture is a huge optimization. One could say "networking" but it's so much more than that. We have microsocieties that focus on areas of interest from wine enthusiasts to mountain biking to vinyl audiophiles. I've met people at Pershing whom I consider best friends. I know members who met their significant others there. The ability to come to Pershing, as someone new to Austin or someone who has been here 44 years, and have the best of Austin art, music and food brought directly to you at the club...what's not to love?
What’s your favorite quote?
That's hard. Here are two that love and think are relevant to Pershing:
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
—Vincent Van Gogh
"Community is the new currency."
-I think it's an original
Parts of Pershing
The Pershing House is ever-evolving and has a spaces to suit everything from a work meeting to date night
Pershing House: The original private dining and social club
Pershing Hall: Events venue for larger celebrations, live music, speaker series and open-to-the-public events
Pershing East Coffee Coffeehouse: Across the street and open to the publicshop opened in 2023
Pershing Milkman: Curated cocktails at Pershing East available to-go and for delivery
Pershing Co-Working A co-working space (housed in the former game room) where you be head down on your laptop or host meetings in conference rooms. Food and drinks can be from Pershing East for delivery on the app.
Reciprocal Clubs: Over 2,000 worldwide.
Find The Pershing House at 2415 E. Fifth St., Austin, TX 78702 and inquire about membership at thepershing.com