The Velvet Olive Lounge

As we have all been navigating a post-pandemic world, adjusting and settling remains a continuous uphill battle. The bounce back to normal has been a hesitant and stubborn object to move. I think this would echo into all of our daily lives. Kids have been staying home sick from school, the price of everything has gone up, and things are just heavy. For small business owners occupying a commercial space, the stress of success has wholly replaced our normal emotions. We remain hopeful that business will soon return to a stable level, allowing us to pay all our bills and debts. It often feels that as soon as our goals are within reach, they get heavier and slip.

We all face unexpected things that are the last thing you would want to have to happen in your world, leading me to the reason for making this post. The previous two weeks of business have been favourable. We have hosted some amazing artists that played to rooms full of appreciative live music supporters. As the subtle grin grows from the feeling that we could get used to this again, the unexpected lurks around the blind corner. After the busy weekend, our habit is to restock our cold storage for the week ahead. Over the last few days, the temp sensor inside the main bar cooler at The Velvet Olive Lounge failed. The constant call for cold from the condenser turned it into a deep freeze for a couple of days. Every craft beer can, bottle and soda can had exploded, spreading shards of broken glass and frozen beer over everything inside. All the kegs we just tapped were ruined, along with fresh produce, drink mix, garnishes etc. After spending a couple of unexpected hours sifting through the debris and occasional landmine bottle of prossecco, the timing and high cost began to sink in. The first thought is, "Is it worth going through insurance?". Our deductible covers the loss and repairs. It doesn't cover revenue loss and the inconvenience of immediate expenses.

We find ourselves immediately burdened with replacing thousands of dollars worth of inventory, fixing our cooler, and typical month-end expenses, including rent, utilities and payroll. It has remained our approach to get creative to survive setbacks. However, our exhaustion meter is maxed, and no gas is left in the tank. If you have anything extra you're willing to give, it would greatly help us.

I appreciate any help you can provide. Thank you.

Kyle Key - Owner

The Velvet Olive