From 9-to-5 to nightlife: 24-year-old launching Hess Village club

A TikTok video about leaving a steady job to start something new in Hamilton is getting plenty of attention online.

A 24-year-old says he’s taking a chance on the city’s downtown entertainment district, planning to launch a new venue in a spot that’s seen its share of nightlife over the years.

For most people, that kind of announcement might sound like a big risk. But for Jason Won, it’s a leap of faith and a shot at chasing a dream.

Last Thursday, his TikTok video started gaining attention online.

“Just woke up to thousands and thousands of Instagram and TikTok notifications — and I couldn’t unlock my phone when I woke up,” said Won.

The club he’s taking over sits in Hess Village, a space with a long history in Hamilton’s nightlife.

Most recently it was Club Absinthe, which closed earlier this year after opening in April 2024.

Go back a little further and many Hamiltonians remember when the building was a downtown nightlife staple.

Won says the opportunity to take over the space happened a couple of weeks ago.

“I’ve been working a corporate 9-5 job within the sports, entertainment and music space for a very big agency. And honestly music is — and events specifically — something that I’ve been really passionate about,” said Won.

Working on the side as a DJ and emcee, the young entrepreneur says he and his friends plan to run the club together, hoping to bring live music and new energy back to the area.

“We share a mutual excitement for this space and so, there is nerves, a little bit definitely, making sure everything goes smoothly,” said business partner Ethan Edwards.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton’s Club Absinthe shuts its doors amid rent dispute

“I think Toronto people value fitting in and blending in. And Hamilton just values being unique and being yourself, and I just fell in love with that,” said Won.

The response online has been mostly positive with many cheering Won on, while also asking him to support Hamilton’s local music scene and give bands a place to play.

Others hope to see artists who used to perform at this venue return to the stage.

Meanwhile, business owners along Hess Street South are looking forward to welcoming their new neighbour.

“This is great. If they bring new people around the community of Hess Village, that would be great,” said one local.

“New neighbours. I’m really excited to see the transformation. I saw about it on Instagram, the owners seem great so I’m looking forward to it,” said another Hamilton resident.

At just 24 years old, Won is trading a steady paycheque for a chance to revive a piece of Hamilton’s nightlife.

“It’s our goal to just create a platform for local artists and local talent to be able to just showcase their work to other guests from across Canada and potentially internationally,” said Won.

And if the response online is any indication, many people are rooting for him.

Opening night hasn’t been announced yet. But if Won’s plan works, this spot could soon be filled with live music, crowds and a new chapter for Hess Village before the end of this month.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton’s Club Absinthe has lease terminated for non-payment of rent