Hey guys,
The local rumor mill has been a-buzzing, and I think the dogs. out the bag, so lets make this an official metro Jax announcement:
rain dogs. (1045 Park St., 5 points) will be open for business this summer! This is a joint venture between my self, Ian Ranne (Shantytown Pub, Lomax Lodge, Phoenix Taproom, Burro Bar) and Christina Wagner (Birdies, Jack Rabbits, about everywhere that serves drinks in the area, and bad ass musician!). If you know us you know what we do for a career, and we are both very excited to be working back in 5 Points and serving the neighborhood.
rain dogs. will be a cafe primarily, but we will also have a bar, coffee, concerts, art gallery space, and all of the things the people in the neighborhood are into. And we have both been here all of our lives and working the local industry over half, so I think we got a pretty good grasp of what is wanted and needed.
We have our lease, equipment, and insurance. We have just enough funds to limp into home base, however we could use a last bit of fundraising to help us get our license strait and get that first stock of delicious beer, wine, fruit, and cheese. There are 2 ways you can help with the fundraising if interested-
1. Indie A Go Go- we went the crowd funding route on this one, and it has been a smashing success in the first 24 hours. Follow the link to here: http://igg.me/at/raindogs/x/2345525 and you will find some cool packages that include invitations to our pre party, gift cards, "mug club" packages, ect.
2. Benefit show (rent party) Thursday night June 13th at Burro Bar- featuring 4 Family's , Willie Evans Jr., Jackie Stranger, Christina Wagner, DJ Triclops I, and special guests to be announced. There is a $1000 suggested donation for this party, however you can pay as little or as much as you see fit at the door :)
So yea, build us a stool and we will build you a chair. Literally. And even though the purpose of this post is to raise funds, also we welcome any comments, questions, or suggestions you may have. Let us know here! Its a public forum!
Cheers,
Ian Ranne
Sounds great! Wishing you all the best with your crowdfunding efforts.
this not my thing but it sounds cool
Looking forward to seeing you in the neighborhood. :)
Good luck you guys, if anyone can make this happen, you can. I just contributed. Looking forward to seeing that strip of Park street with a vibrant cafe again!
Just an update- we got our licenses, successfully navigated through zoning, health dept, building dept, fire marshals, and tax man in record time! Looking like we should slide in homebase by July 1st, but if you are inclined to help us raise funds for the first stock please hit the Indie A Go Go!!!!
Also, and questions about the spot or suggestions from the Metro Jax Massive? Yall are usually a pretty opinionated crowd.... ;)
I probably don't need to say it, but LOCAL BEER.
Try not to duplicate the food offerings of the other eateries in the area. And especially try not to duplicate the problems caused by Lomax Lodge. Take Christina's advice.
Really great to see another vacant storefront come to life!
Get some Ego Killer sounds up in there! No, actually just keep doing what your doing brother.
Quote from: Dog Walker on May 30, 2013, 06:12:25 PM
Try not to duplicate the food offerings of the other eateries in the area. And especially try not to duplicate the problems caused by Lomax Lodge. Take Christina's advice.
Really great to see another vacant storefront come to life!
Problems like music and drinking that goes later than 10PM?
Non-smoking would be awesome.
Also, what type if branding/decor are you going for? Shanty and Burro defiantly have the DIY style but I think if Rain Dogs has an out of the box or unexpected style that would be rad too.
Quote from: InnerCityPressure on June 04, 2013, 01:50:19 PM
Quote from: Dog Walker on May 30, 2013, 06:12:25 PM
Try not to duplicate the food offerings of the other eateries in the area. And especially try not to duplicate the problems caused by Lomax Lodge. Take Christina's advice.
Really great to see another vacant storefront come to life!
Problems like music and drinking that goes later than 10PM?
Not a problem if it's kept inside. Birdie's causes no problems in the neighborhood. Neither does The Wall and they are both open past 10PM.
Decor and atmosphere will be similar to Burro or Shanty, but I imagine a little "fancier"....Christina Wagner is my partner in this one so expect more of a women's touch. Also the place was completely remodeled a year ago, so we have a really clean and up to code canvas to work with this time.
As far as noise...I never really had a problem with that in 5 points. Cops came for noise maybe twice in the 2 years I was at Lomax. It is a commercial district, after all. In a nutshell, my lease there did not get renewed because I didnt get along well with my neighbor at the time, who coincidentally closed down 2 months later. What I learned from the situation is to not rent places next door to....how do I say this....people you disagree with often
Also- non smoking in the front room and at opening day. There is a back room which will be a music/cigarette/pool table room,
but that will be open in "phase 2", probably in the fall
Thanks for the info Triclops. I'm looking forward to the opening.
Well put, Ian. The menu will be different and it will be served late (Until 2am). Cheese plates, ceviche and some vegetarian/vegan wraps. Trying to stray away from overly carby foods and giving healthier options for late night snacking. There are also going to be community based forums for enthusiasts of all types and rotating art shows. Local beers are obvious and we will also be selling only bold bean coffee. The premise for the space is based on local entrepreneurs and celebrating their importance on keeping our area vibrant and identifying our fair city. You can read more about it at http://igg.me/at/raindogs/x/2345525.
Yup, what Christina says is always correct ;D
Also guys, we are ending our fundraising this week...there are 2 opportunities to do us a solid this week, if you feel so inclined.... :)
The Indie A Go Go we set up has been very successful, and there are less then 48 hours left to donate! If you want to donate digitally hit this link right here:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/rain-dogs
Also Burro Bar is throwing us a benefit jam this Thursday night! Featuring live entertainment from some of our best friends including Four Families (indy flok/bluegrass), Willie Evans Jr. (positive Hip Hop, original beats), Jackie Stranger (the world famous drummer and Yo-Yo pro Jack Rinca's solo project), and The Settlement (old guy beirdo punk rock)...and of course the stunning Christina Wagner herself, and your truly DJ Triclops I on the turntables!!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/130430410494946/
admission is however much you think is fair! Doors at 8pm...its going to be a hell of a party!
Anyway, sorry for the spam guys, it dosent happen often. Cheers!,
Ian Ranne
Ceviche? Yum! Looking forward to your opening.
Can you tell us more about the name? With a name like that, I'm hoping to see some benefits or events for our local animal rescue community. (Obviously - in the future, not when you first open.) We animal lovers are a nice bunch who like to party and spend our money places who support our efforts! :)
I assume the name is a reference to the Tom Waits album.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_Dogs
Quote from: crackalacka on June 20, 2013, 02:58:13 PM
Can you tell us more about the name? With a name like that, I'm hoping to see some benefits or events for our local animal rescue community. (Obviously - in the future, not when you first open.) We animal lovers are a nice bunch who like to party and spend our money places who support our efforts! :)
The entire premise of the spot is geared towards community in general. We are here to make these events happen; we are here because our peers made it happen. I'm a huge advocate of animal and human rights in every avenue. I've dedicated most of my life to making this a better place and now we have a platform to show our support.