Event Wrap Up : Vernacular Design

Many laughs and stories were shared at our 2011-2012 season kick-off event on September 22nd at Eli Cannons Tap Room in Middletown. Yellow caution tape sectioned off the room where Phil Ouellette, owner of Eli Cannons, shared anecdotes from the past 18 years, explaining how the unique brand came to be. Phil went to college in NYC in the 1980s to pursue a career in Law Enforcement but would often find himself missing class and spending the day admiring art. Among his favorite artists were Andy Warhol and Keith Herring. He opened Eli Cannons in 1993 out of fear: he was a newlywed with a one year-old son and out of a job. He had four empty walls, a blank canvas and an opportunity to let his creativity run wild. Originally, the objects that now cram the walls would come from tag sales and antique stores, even his own home. Today, people just bring cool stuff into the bar, from neon signs to vintage toys. "The idea is (for the brand) to punch you in the face" and that is exactly what happens when you walk into Eli Cannons. There are objects everywhere, including the ceiling. The brick walls are saturated with signatures and messages from customers. The key to his ongoing success, he says, is the combination of a unique experience and working with a great group of people, amongst them, manager Carrie Carella who has been at Eli Cannons for the past 15 years. "She is my Yoda" Phil answered after being asked how he manages to run the business and evolve the brand seamlessly. During the first five minutes of his presentation, Phil surprised us with an exercise: "Using the pencil provided, separate the paper into 2 sections. No questions! Instructions have been provided! Do not speak to your neighbor." He then explained this was the same exercise that taught him several years ago that there are many different ways to solve the same problem. That is how he approaches the Eli Cannons brand; by creating uncensored and unique menus, posters and flyers; including the handcrafted note that awaited us on each table. The note, welcomed us and announced his new ventures: "We are very proud to announce that we are expecting! Although we are single, we did wait until we were 18! And it looks like its going to be twins! We will not be on MTV's Teen Mom... or Jersey Shore." Nora (North of Rapallo Avenue) Cupcake Company and Eli Cannon's Trading company are expected to open by December 31, 2011. Both stores will be located only a few steps across the street from Eli Cannons.   After a fun-filled night of stories, ideas and inspiration; do we dare ask: "Is the glass half empty or half full?"