Help The Cannon Open Its Doors

The Cannon

"The People's Pub"

Located in the heart of New Haven, Connecticut, The Cannon will offer a menu of vegan/vegetarian options, premium beer, wine, and spirits with an atmosphere to match. Still fighting the economic devastation due to the ongoing pandemic, our do-it-yourself startup must once again overcome a difficult financial situation as we continue to move toward a grand opening for the greater New Haven community.

Embodying the elements of a helping hands community, the founding members of The Cannon are asking for your assistance in opening the doors to something we believe to be special. We believe in the strength and togetherness of our city and its people as we continue this path, slowly but surely.

The Cannon will be the home for the New Haven Gooners, where we plan to foster an environment of endless Arsenal support, welcoming all fans of Premier League soccer to eat, drink, and show their love of the game. With the support of our tight knit community, we will be able to open our doors appropriately without restrictions as we overcome the continuous roadblocks that we have experienced for the better part of two years.

In February 2020, a lease was signed for the vacant space of 135 Dwight Street. What was a dry cleaners had been gutted and left bare for us to see and as we toured this blank canvas we were filled with hope. Three excited, idealistic, and motivated people started blueprints and floor plans that had been years in the making. Just weeks later, amidst lockdown, stress, and what seemed to be endless uncertainty, we thought the passion project of The Cannon had been lost.

However, by the grace of our own perseverance, we continued on with construction ourselves, with the help of family and friends whenever we needed a hand. Painting, building, and developing this project with our literal blood, sweat, and tears to create something that 18 months later, is nearly completed.

In the wake of our new reality, outside funding was not to be had. The opportunity for state and government aid was unattainable for us, but we have continued on with our own resources as well as the generosity of family and friends. The Cannon is now faced with another roadblock to opening as we are responsible for a hefty property tax bill, as per our lease, that unfortunately the landlord will not negotiate. We will need to pay these taxes much sooner than anticipated.

For those of you who personally know Kevin, Skyller, and Tessa; you are aware that we struggle with asking for help and certainly would never expect a handout. That being said, those of you who have been with us on this journey so far understand just how special The Cannon is and can be. A cruelty free menu with an equally cruelty free atmosphere. A home for not just Arsenal, but all soccer fans alike. A place free of discrimination, an environment for family, essentially, “The People’s Pub”.

We ask for and appreciate any kind of help you can give in our ongoing efforts to open The Cannon’s doors. We promise to take care of one another and provide stellar hospitality. We promise to prepare unique vegan/vegetarian food, with a price proficient menu. We thank you sincerely, from the bottom of our never-giving-up hearts.

Yours,

Kevin MacKenzie, Tessa Davis, and Skyller Melton