Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristopher Canizares.
Kristopher CanizaresHi Kristopher, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I came to Charleston on a 9-day vacation in February 2002 after traveling Europe for a few months. I started working in the carriage industry in the barn of Olde Towne Carriage Co. I worked in the service industry as a bar-back and cook at The original Big John’s Tavern. I left the carriage world briefly before returning and working at Classic Carriage Works. I worked in the barn, gave tours, helped develop new tours, and was their highest-grossing seller of tickets at one point. I eventually became the daily operations manager. I also would moonlight as a cook at Cru Catering, doing prep work in the kitchen and working catered events like weddings, galas, and the like. I was a workaholic. In 2018, I left the carriage and reflected on what I wanted to do for work. I took an opportunity to work part-time for Pineapple Tour Group and The Recovery Room Tavern part-time with both jobs. The tour bus company had to lay me off; I picked up more shifts at the bar and took a server/bartender job at The Oyster House. Covid hit and shut everything down. When things opened back up, Chris Dimattia, the owner of Rec Room, Bangkok Lounge, and The Lucky Luchador, took a chance on me and asked if I wanted to take over operations of the new bar in the Eastside. I continued to work at Rec while also working on opening Lucky’s. After waiting on permits and inspections, we finally got Lucky’s opened in October of 2022. After 1 year and 7 months of being open, I’m still working here and enjoying every bit of it.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve never had a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles and hurdles for Lucky’s was waiting for the city to approve work projects so we could finally start the process of inspections and licensing. Running a business, let alone a bar, will forever be a struggle. In the F&B service industry, I’ve learned one constant is always there. You have to be able to adjust and pivot to the needs and wants of your clientele. Our current struggle is the insurance issues that all small businesses deal with in South Carolina.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Lucky Luchador. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
A neighborhood bar located on the east side of downtown Charleston. Friendly vibes, great locals, pop-ups that cook fantastic food, and fun events to keep people wanting to come back for more. My fantastic staff treats everyone respectfully and welcomes them when they come to the bar. We’re known for being a local bar, having fun bar games and events to excite our customers, and having some of the best pop-ups for food in the city.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
My advice is to be patient, stay the course, and keep sight of your goals. Feel free to adjust and pivot. Your customers will tell you what they want, so it’s okay to set your ego aside and listen to them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: the_lucky_luchador
