Maurice Kanbar

Maurice Kanbar

Maurice Kanbar (born 1933) is an American entrepreneur and inventor, best known for his creation of SKYY vodka. He has been involved in various business ventures and has made significant contributions to the fields of alcoholic beverages, cinema, and real estate.

Early Life and Education

Maurice Kanbar was born in 1933 in Brooklyn, New York City. He attended Brooklyn Technical High School and later graduated from New York University.

Career

Alcoholic Beverages

Kanbar is most famous for creating SKYY vodka, which he launched in 1992. The vodka is known for its distinctive cobalt blue bottle and its quadruple-distilled, triple-filtered production process, which Kanbar claims reduces impurities and results in a smoother taste. SKYY vodka quickly became a popular brand in the United States and internationally.

Inventions

In addition to SKYY vodka, Kanbar has invented numerous other products. Some of his notable inventions include the D-Fuzz-It, a device for removing fuzz from sweaters, and the Safety Glide Hypodermic Needle, which is designed to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries.

Cinema and Real Estate

Kanbar has also made significant contributions to the cinema industry. He founded the Quad Cinema in Greenwich Village, New York City, which was one of the first multiplex cinemas in the United States. The Quad Cinema became a popular venue for independent and foreign films.

In the realm of real estate, Kanbar has invested in various properties, including the Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts in San Rafael, California.

Philanthropy

Maurice Kanbar is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has donated to various educational and cultural institutions, including New York University and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Personal Life

Kanbar resides in San Francisco, California. He continues to be active in his various business ventures and philanthropic activities.

See Also

• SKYY vodka
• Quad Cinema
• Brooklyn Technical High School
• New York University