Jeff Silverman is the president of Yuk Yuk’s, Canada's largest chain of comedy clubs. He has also been a concert promoter, former promoter at Toronto's historic Horseshoe Tavern as well as an author, publisher, business consultant, and graphic artist.
Jeff is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He worked for four years as a Commercial Artist at TRP Studios in London and became accountant representative for Benson & Hedges, Milk and Rothman Cigarettes. In 1974, Jeff joined his brother operating Quasar Publisher Representative Company in New York, a company that produced restaurant reviews for Cavalier, After Dark and Penthouse Magazine, and the Who’s Who In North American Restaurants.
Upon his move to Canada in 1976, Silverman promptly began his career in the entertainment industry operating three of Toronto's hottest venues; the 99 Cent Roxy repertory movie theatre, the New Yorker Theatre on Yonge at Bloor and the infamous Horseshoe Tavern. For several years he and his partner Gary Topp introduced some of the most cutting-edge bands to the city, such as the Ramones, The Police, Tom Waits, Joan Jett, Patti Smith and many more.
In 1980-81, he created and produced Canada's first all night television showThe All-Night Show with “Chuck the Security Guard”. This brought back old hit TV sitcoms like Have Gun Will Travel, The Twilight Zone and Outer Limits as well as showcased new musical talent and produced over a 1,000 hours of live television.