Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan and Conor Sullivan.
Hi Dan and Conor, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
[Conor] We are both from corporate backrounds and spent years talking about one day opening a bar together. Every family holiday we refined another detail or discussed a specific part of the business that brought us closer to actually going for it. By 2018 we were serious about the concept and commited to making it a reality. We bought 5 Cumberland Street, moved ourselves and our families down to Charleston, and got to work!
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
[Dan] It has been a challenging road. It felt like the 17 months we were renovating and ticking boxes to preserve our historic property; something was always standing in our way. The cost and time it took to complete our project before we opened was way over what we and our team had initially figured. And then, when the day came to open, we were under lockdown for COVID. However, what I am describing is familiar to us. Everyone in our industry has had similar challenges. Once COVID restrictions were lifted, we still had all the issues that any new bar/restaurant has. And then came the industry-wide labor shortage, which lasted for a year. We were curious about who would be willing to go to work that day or if we could serve our usual menu. It was a waking nightmare. If this sounds like a complaint, it’s not; I am in no position to complain. We were able to maintain an incredible management team that had a ton of experience, and we were able to weather the storm. I thank my lucky stars for these people every day, and the mentality of fighting the good fight, so to speak, made us closer. Today, we’re more vital than ever and celebrated our third year of business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
[Dan] We own a bar in Charleston’s French Quarter called Bumpa’s. We named it after our grandfather. It’s a fun neighborhood bar with terrific food and a friendly, family atmosphere.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
[Conor] Trust the folks around you that have earned it. They work for you and you for them. People, hard work, and accountability always wins.
[Dan] Perspective. Remember that sweating the small stuff isn’t the best way forward. I like to remember the big picture; when we have that direction, the details work out how we need them to. I always say, “No pride in authorship.” The best idea always wins at Bumpa’s.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bumpas-chs.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumpas_chs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bumpaschs
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bumpa-s-charleston
Image Credits
Franzi Annika Post and Courier
