The highly anticipated New York City bar, Schmuck, faced an unexpected hurdle in its journey from concept to reality. Owners and internationally acclaimed mixologists Moe Aljaff and Juliette Larrouy found themselves abandoned by their contractors, leaving their dream bar in a state of incompletion. Rather than succumbing to the setback, they traded their cocktail shakers for toolboxes, embarking on an ambitious DIY project to finish the construction themselves. This unforeseen turn of events forced them to delve into the intricacies of construction, learning on the fly while also relying on innovative tools like ChatGPT to navigate the complexities of building codes, licensing, and even understanding the bar’s water filtration system. The hands-on approach, while demanding, instilled a deep understanding of every nook and cranny of their establishment, fostering a sense of ownership that extended beyond the bar’s conceptualization.
Aljaff and Larrouy’s journey to Schmuck began with significant buzz, fueled by successful pop-up events in Midtown Manhattan and the Financial District. The duo, renowned for their cocktail expertise, particularly Aljaff’s recognition in the Bacardi Legacy Global cocktail competition and the success of their Barcelona bar, Two Schmucks, generated considerable excitement for their New York venture. However, their initial projected opening date in August came and went, leaving patrons eager for a taste of their innovative cocktails and Mediterranean-French fusion cuisine. Unforeseen contractor issues not only delayed the opening but also forced Aljaff and Larrouy to take matters into their own hands, literally. This unexpected detour, while challenging, provided a unique opportunity to intimately shape the physical manifestation of their vision.
The decision to take over the construction themselves stemmed from both budgetary constraints and escalating timeline pressures. Continuing with the original contractor proved financially unsustainable, prompting the resourceful duo to embrace a hands-on approach. This shift in roles, from mixologists to construction managers, required them to adapt quickly, leveraging their existing management skills to oversee the project and learn new trades along the way. While acknowledging the daunting nature of the undertaking, Aljaff and Larrouy viewed this challenge as an extension of their creative process, akin to crafting a complex cocktail but on a much grander scale. Their dedication extended to meticulously documenting the entire process on social media, keeping their audience engaged and anticipating the eventual opening.
The construction process proved to be a steep learning curve, filled with both triumphs and costly mistakes. Aljaff and Larrouy focused on tasks they felt comfortable handling, such as painting and basic carpentry, but they also embraced the opportunity to learn from skilled professionals they hired for more specialized tasks. They openly acknowledged the role of AI, particularly ChatGPT, in guiding them through unfamiliar territory. From deciphering technical manuals to understanding pricing and legalities, the chatbot became an invaluable tool, preventing costly errors and ensuring compliance. This resourcefulness, combined with their willingness to learn and adapt, allowed them to navigate the complexities of construction while staying true to their original vision for Schmuck.
Despite the challenges, the experience fostered a deeper connection to their establishment. The hands-on involvement instilled a profound understanding of the bar’s infrastructure, from the plumbing and wiring to the structural elements. Aljaff likened this intimate knowledge to knowing every ingredient in a cocktail, enabling them to anticipate and address any future issues with greater efficiency. While acknowledging the financial setbacks caused by missteps like prematurely laying flooring in the basement, they viewed these mistakes as valuable lessons learned. The unexpected journey of building their own bar also revealed the supportive nature of the hospitality industry, with fellow bar owners offering advice, contacts, and insights gleaned from their own experiences.
In the end, the arduous journey of building Schmuck transformed the anticipated bar opening into a testament to the owners’ resilience and resourcefulness. Despite the delays and unforeseen challenges, Aljaff and Larrouy remained steadfast in their commitment to bringing their vision to life. The hands-on experience, though unintended, fostered a deeper appreciation for the space and instilled confidence in their ability to manage any future challenges. Their innovative use of technology, combined with the support of the local community, ultimately paved the way for the realization of Schmuck, a bar built not only with bricks and mortar but also with passion, perseverance, and a dash of AI assistance. The anticipation for the opening remained palpable, as patrons eagerly awaited the opportunity to experience the unique cocktails and ambiance crafted by two mixologists who had proven their dedication both behind the bar and on the construction site.
