DID NOT REOPEN AFTER THE FIRE
The Rise and Fall of Drop Dead Twice:
Drop Dead Twice, a vibrant cocktail bar nestled on Francis Street in Dublin, captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike with its eclectic charm and innovative drinks. However, the bar's promising trajectory was abruptly halted in July 2022 when a devastating fire engulfed the premises, leaving behind a trail of destruction and uncertainty.
The Birth of a Unique Concept
Founded in 2016 by Kelly and Dave O'Malley, along with Edel and Noel Kavanagh, Drop Dead Twice quickly established itself as a haven for cocktail enthusiasts and creative souls. The bar's name, inspired by an Oscar Wilde quote, "To die once is a misfortune, but to die twice seems like carelessness," embodied its playful spirit and penchant for pushing boundaries.
The bar's concept was unique, allowing patrons to bring their own spirits and have expert mixologists craft bespoke cocktails tailored to their preferences. This approach, combined with the bar's quirky décor and lively atmosphere, fostered a loyal following and garnered critical acclaim.
The Devastating Fire and Failed Crowdfunding
The fire that ravaged Drop Dead Twice in July 2022 dealt a devastating blow to the owners and the community that had grown to cherish the bar. Despite initial optimism about a swift reopening, the extent of the damage and the financial burden of rebuilding proved overwhelming.
A crowdfunding campaign was launched to rally support and raise funds for the bar's revival. However, despite the outpouring of sympathy and encouragement, the campaign fell short of its target. This setback, coupled with the challenges of navigating insurance claims and securing additional funding, ultimately led to the bar's permanent closure.
The Aftermath: A Derelict Building and Unanswered Questions
In the aftermath of the fire, the building that once housed Drop Dead Twice remains a haunting reminder of the bar's vibrant past. The boarded-up windows and faded signage serve as a poignant testament to the challenges faced by small businesses in the wake of unexpected disasters.
The question of ownership remains unclear. While the building's current status suggests that selling or leasing it has proven difficult, the exact reasons for this remain unknown.
The Perils of Overestimating Customer Loyalty
The case of Drop Dead Twice raises questions about the extent to which businesses can rely on customer loyalty during times of crisis. While the bar had cultivated a dedicated following, this did not translate into sufficient financial support to overcome the hurdles of rebuilding.
This phenomenon is not uncommon in the hospitality industry. While customers may express affection for their favorite establishments, their spending habits are often influenced by a myriad of factors, including economic constraints, changing tastes, and the availability of alternative options.
In the case of Drop Dead Twice, the owners may have underestimated the financial realities of rebuilding and overestimated the extent to which their loyal customers could contribute to their crowdfunding campaign.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale and a Lost Gem
The story of Drop Dead Twice serves as a cautionary tale for small businesses, highlighting the importance of contingency planning and financial preparedness in the face of unforeseen events. It also underscores the complexities of relying on crowdfunding as a primary source of funding.
While the bar's closure is undoubtedly a loss for Dublin's vibrant nightlife scene, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced its unique charm and creative spirit. The derelict building on Francis Street stands as a silent witness to the bar's vibrant past and a reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses in an ever-changing landscape.
The quote "To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness" is as already mentioned by Oscar Wilde. It appears in his play "The Importance of Being Earnest," spoken by the character Lady Bracknell.
The quote is a witty commentary on the importance of social status and appearances in Victorian society. Lady Bracknell is interrogating Jack Worthing, a potential suitor for her daughter, about his family background. When she learns that he was found as a baby in a handbag at a train station and doesn't know his parents, she expresses her disapproval through this clever remark.
The quote is often misattributed as "To die once is a misfortune, but to die twice seems like carelessness." While this version captures the essence of Wilde's wit and wordplay, it's not the exact wording from the play.
It's understandable how the misquote might have arisen, as it maintains the same structure and cleverness as the original. It's also possible that it was intentionally adapted to fit the context of the Drop Dead Twice bar, where the idea of "dying twice" could be interpreted as a metaphor for the bar's closure and potential reopening.
Drop Dead Twice, a vibrant cocktail bar nestled on Francis Street in Dublin, captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike with its eclectic charm and innovative drinks. However, the bar's promising trajectory was abruptly halted in July 2022 when a devastating fire engulfed the premises, leaving behind a trail of destruction and uncertainty.
The Birth of a Unique Concept
Founded in 2016 by Kelly and Dave O'Malley, along with Edel and Noel Kavanagh, Drop Dead Twice quickly established itself as a haven for cocktail enthusiasts and creative souls. The bar's name, inspired by an Oscar Wilde quote, "To die once is a misfortune, but to die twice seems like carelessness," embodied its playful spirit and penchant for pushing boundaries.
The bar's concept was unique, allowing patrons to bring their own spirits and have expert mixologists craft bespoke cocktails tailored to their preferences. This approach, combined with the bar's quirky décor and lively atmosphere, fostered a loyal following and garnered critical acclaim.
The Devastating Fire and Failed Crowdfunding
The fire that ravaged Drop Dead Twice in July 2022 dealt a devastating blow to the owners and the community that had grown to cherish the bar. Despite initial optimism about a swift reopening, the extent of the damage and the financial burden of rebuilding proved overwhelming.
A crowdfunding campaign was launched to rally support and raise funds for the bar's revival. However, despite the outpouring of sympathy and encouragement, the campaign fell short of its target. This setback, coupled with the challenges of navigating insurance claims and securing additional funding, ultimately led to the bar's permanent closure.
The Aftermath: A Derelict Building and Unanswered Questions
In the aftermath of the fire, the building that once housed Drop Dead Twice remains a haunting reminder of the bar's vibrant past. The boarded-up windows and faded signage serve as a poignant testament to the challenges faced by small businesses in the wake of unexpected disasters.
The question of ownership remains unclear. While the building's current status suggests that selling or leasing it has proven difficult, the exact reasons for this remain unknown.
The Perils of Overestimating Customer Loyalty
The case of Drop Dead Twice raises questions about the extent to which businesses can rely on customer loyalty during times of crisis. While the bar had cultivated a dedicated following, this did not translate into sufficient financial support to overcome the hurdles of rebuilding.
This phenomenon is not uncommon in the hospitality industry. While customers may express affection for their favorite establishments, their spending habits are often influenced by a myriad of factors, including economic constraints, changing tastes, and the availability of alternative options.
In the case of Drop Dead Twice, the owners may have underestimated the financial realities of rebuilding and overestimated the extent to which their loyal customers could contribute to their crowdfunding campaign.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale and a Lost Gem
The story of Drop Dead Twice serves as a cautionary tale for small businesses, highlighting the importance of contingency planning and financial preparedness in the face of unforeseen events. It also underscores the complexities of relying on crowdfunding as a primary source of funding.
While the bar's closure is undoubtedly a loss for Dublin's vibrant nightlife scene, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced its unique charm and creative spirit. The derelict building on Francis Street stands as a silent witness to the bar's vibrant past and a reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses in an ever-changing landscape.
The quote "To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness" is as already mentioned by Oscar Wilde. It appears in his play "The Importance of Being Earnest," spoken by the character Lady Bracknell.
The quote is a witty commentary on the importance of social status and appearances in Victorian society. Lady Bracknell is interrogating Jack Worthing, a potential suitor for her daughter, about his family background. When she learns that he was found as a baby in a handbag at a train station and doesn't know his parents, she expresses her disapproval through this clever remark.
The quote is often misattributed as "To die once is a misfortune, but to die twice seems like carelessness." While this version captures the essence of Wilde's wit and wordplay, it's not the exact wording from the play.
It's understandable how the misquote might have arisen, as it maintains the same structure and cleverness as the original. It's also possible that it was intentionally adapted to fit the context of the Drop Dead Twice bar, where the idea of "dying twice" could be interpreted as a metaphor for the bar's closure and potential reopening.
DID NOT REOPEN AFTER THE FIRE