Putting your money where your mouth is
The pair behind Rapscallion Rogue Eatery and Two Black Sheep has launched a crowdfunding appeal for a new restaurant
Rapscallion Restaurant owners Erin Dunham and Matthew Kershaw have launched a crowdfunding campaign to open a new restaurant on
James Street North.
Hamilton Spectator
By Meredith MacLeod
There was a time when a pig's head delivered to your door was a bad omen.
But if you contribute $500 to the first crowdfunding campaign for a Hamilton restaurant, it's a reward.
And for someone who pitches in the entire $100,000 sought, Hamilton restaurateurs Erin Dunham and Matthew Kershaw will name their new taco eatery in your honour.
The pair, who are the behind Hamilton hot spots Rapscallion Rogue Eatery and Two Black Sheep, has launched a Indiegogo appeal called Fund Us to Feed You (indiegogo.com/projects/fund-us-to-feed-you) to get the necessary cash to open a new location on James Street North.
The venture,
a taco/bourbon/tequila restaurant, will be called
The Mule, unless that big donor steps up.
Dunham and Kershaw have made a name on the Hamilton food scene for cutting-edge ventures. Rapscallion serves adventures such as tongue, cheek and chicken liver brûlée. Two Black Sheep features oysters and charcuterie.
The couple, who also own The Alex in Burlington, has funded their eateries by wiping out savings and sticking their necks out. Now they are trying to launch two at the same time, including a sister to Two Black Sheep on Ottawa Street North.
The couple didn't want to go to a bank, and taking on investors means losing some control.
"Now we are looking for fans of what we do and what we're doing for the city to come forward," said Kershaw.
The Indiegogo campaign goes to Nov. 16.
Dunham says they are asking people to give them money upfront that they would spend in the restaurant. Contributors of more than $100 will get their money back in gift cards and other rewards. Some rewards are as adventurous as Kershaw's food.
There's that roasted pig's head.
For $1,000, you get the whole pig and a case of beer. For $100,000, you get a trip to Chicago to visit the restaurant that inspired The Mule and 1,000 hours of volunteering put in by the couple and their staff.
The pair kicked off their campaign with a party at the Empire Times Building on King William Street on Thursday night. They say Hamilton is a great place to make a business out of food.
"Ten years ago would have been too soon and five years from now will be too late," said Dunham. "This is the perfect place to be in business at the perfect time."
mmacleod@thespec.com
905-526-3408 | @meredithmacleod
http://www.thespec.com/news-story/48...your-mouth-is/
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