xiaming
Vale Brown's
Merry-go-Browns II
August 03rd, 2007 | Category: Uncategorized
A chain around the front door, no return calls from the managing partner, months of speculation about unpaid bills - indeed, it does seem that Browns has closed shop.
The questions is: what’s next?
If that space is available, I don’t see it lasting long. Even with monthly rent reportedly at 20,000 - that would be USD not RMB - the place has plenty of potential.
The Rickshaw around the corner is a good example of how to draw crowds: anyone can pour draft, but a high-quality draw (the food), character-driven staff and responsive management keep the patrons coming. (Q Bar is another example, with a good mix of quality drinks and well-known bartenders.)
Why not transfer that philosophy to Browns?
Oh, wait. In its early days, Browns did have good grub (many people went to Browns for dinner and drinks) and character-driven staff (Glenn, Jackie, et al).
So, what happened?
Well, there were neverending attempts to reach new niches and grab a few kuai, from 10-kuai shots (in response to Shooters, the net effect being to undermine Browns higher-priced drinks) to the Sunday night “pet races” (they literally raced mice and turtles in the bar). This short-sighted focus extended to a penny pinching attitude with the staff and drinks, and steadily drove away the early clientele that made Browns a success.
In any case, someone else will give it a go. And why not? Browns did so many things wrong in terms of HR, food and, especially, marketing, but still lasted 18 months. No doubt others out there will think they can get it right, and right in time for that huge Olympics payoff (hmm, I wonder if two-kuai wings would be a nice draw?)…
Beijing Boyce www.beijingboyce.com/
Vale Brown's
Merry-go-Browns II
August 03rd, 2007 | Category: Uncategorized
A chain around the front door, no return calls from the managing partner, months of speculation about unpaid bills - indeed, it does seem that Browns has closed shop.
The questions is: what’s next?
If that space is available, I don’t see it lasting long. Even with monthly rent reportedly at 20,000 - that would be USD not RMB - the place has plenty of potential.
The Rickshaw around the corner is a good example of how to draw crowds: anyone can pour draft, but a high-quality draw (the food), character-driven staff and responsive management keep the patrons coming. (Q Bar is another example, with a good mix of quality drinks and well-known bartenders.)
Why not transfer that philosophy to Browns?
Oh, wait. In its early days, Browns did have good grub (many people went to Browns for dinner and drinks) and character-driven staff (Glenn, Jackie, et al).
So, what happened?
Well, there were neverending attempts to reach new niches and grab a few kuai, from 10-kuai shots (in response to Shooters, the net effect being to undermine Browns higher-priced drinks) to the Sunday night “pet races” (they literally raced mice and turtles in the bar). This short-sighted focus extended to a penny pinching attitude with the staff and drinks, and steadily drove away the early clientele that made Browns a success.
In any case, someone else will give it a go. And why not? Browns did so many things wrong in terms of HR, food and, especially, marketing, but still lasted 18 months. No doubt others out there will think they can get it right, and right in time for that huge Olympics payoff (hmm, I wonder if two-kuai wings would be a nice draw?)…
Beijing Boyce www.beijingboyce.com/