Gin & Luck: 10 Key Things You Must Know
Overview
Gin & Luck is a notable hospitality group best known for its flagship cocktail bar brand, Death & Co. Founded by David Kaplan in October 2018, Gin & Luck has quickly gained recognition in the hospitality industry. Born out of a passion for creating exceptional cocktail experiences, Gin & Luck emerged as an expansion of Death & Co's success, which started in New York City in 2006. As we delve into the fascinating journey and intricacies of Gin & Luck, you'll discover how it continues to innovate and shape cocktail culture across the United States and beyond.
1. The Birth of a Cocktail Revolution
Death & Co., the cornerstone of Gin & Luck's operations, was established in New York's East Village in 2006. It quickly became a hotspot for craft cocktails, pioneering a new wave of mixology that emphasized precision and creativity. This establishment laid the groundwork for Gin & Luck, which officially formed in 2018 to encompass a broader range of hospitality ventures, including consulting, merchandise, and more cocktail bar locations.
2. Expansion Through Proprietors LLC
Shortly after the success of Death & Co., founders David Kaplan and Alex Day co-founded Proprietors LLC in 2008. This hospitality consulting firm became instrumental in expanding Gin & Luck's reach. Proprietors LLC assists in developing beverage programs and opening bars and restaurants worldwide, positioning Gin & Luck as a leader in the global cocktail scene.
3. Flagship Locations Around the U.S.
Gin & Luck has strategically opened Death & Co. cocktail bars across several key cities in the United States. These include locations in Denver, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., each offering a unique, immersive cocktail experience. These bars have become cultural landmarks, drawing cocktail enthusiasts from all over who are eager to experience the award-winning drinks firsthand.
4. An Empire of Mixology Books
In addition to bars, Gin & Luck is known for its influential cocktail literature. Its founders authored three critically acclaimed books: "Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails," "Cocktail Codex: Fundamentals, Formulas, Evolutions," and "Death & Co Welcome Home." These publications offer insights into the art of cocktail creation and have become essential reading for cocktail enthusiasts and professionals.
5. Innovation in the Hospitality Sector
Under the Gin & Luck umbrella, innovation is a constant pursuit. The group has ventured into several new concepts, such as Little Palm in Charleston and The Danforth in Portland. They have also launched new brands and bars like MOLLIE Aspen, a boutique hotel incorporating sophisticated food and beverage services crafted by Gin & Luck.
6. A Commitment to Staff Well-being
Gin & Luck establishes a strong emphasis on fair wages and benefits. The company ensures competitive pay starting at $15 per hour for all employees, with robust health, dental, and vision benefits after 90 days of employment. This commitment to staff well-being is part of their broader mission to create enriching workplaces.
7. Engaging the Community with Education
The group also engages with the community through educational initiatives. They are developing an online e-learning platform to extend their cocktail knowledge beyond in-person bar experiences, encompassing a digital community aspect to broaden their educational reach.
8. Responding to Industry Trends
Gin & Luck is continually evolving to meet new industry trends. Recently, they've delved into ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, catering to the growing demand for premium cocktail experiences at home. These RTD offerings aim to bring the quality and craft of Death & Co to a broader audience, adapting to shifting consumer preferences.
9. Challenges in Unionization
Despite its successes, Gin & Luck has faced challenges, particularly in unionization efforts at its bars. In a recent attempt at Death & Co in New York, unionization efforts were significant but ultimately unsuccessful. This highlights both the complexities of labor organization in the hospitality sector and Gin & Luck's ongoing navigation of these challenges.
10. Vision for Future Growth
Gin & Luck remains focused on growth and diversification. They are planning more Death & Co locations and are launching new bar concepts like Close Company, aiming to expand into additional markets. This future-oriented strategy underscores their ambition to maintain a leading edge in the hospitality industry.
Conclusion
Gin & Luck represents a dynamic force in the world of hospitality, with an ever-expanding portfolio that includes renowned bars, innovative concepts, and educational ventures. Its journey from a single New York bar to a leading hospitality group highlights a commitment to excellence, experimentation, and community engagement. As the company looks to the future, it continues to set new standards in cocktail culture, inviting both consumers and investors to become part of its vibrant narrative. Gin & Luck's evolution offers a captivating glimpse into the potential and impact of visionary hospitality.