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Birch Road Cellar: Re-imagining the private club

A good drink and good conversation is what brings people together.

$10,000
pledged of$12,000 goal
1
0Days Left

Project Description

 

MISSION

To create space that gives people the greatest opportunities to “lean in” to relationships around the basic premise that good drinks and good conversation are the best path to community.

SEEKING COMMUNITY

Have you ever felt alone in a city full of people? Even prior to the pandemic, adults living in urban areas struggled to achieve genuine connection with their peers, especially outside of the workplace. The Digital Age and the Covid-19 Pandemic have created an age where people are less connected to their geophysical community more than ever. Since the early 1900s, urban city dwellers sought out club membership to gain a sense of place and belonging. From knitting clubs to civic leagues, there was a club for every American, regardless of income bracket. Only in recent decades has the income gap evolved club membership into something reserved only for the affluent. Today, most private clubs follow the example set by SoHo House: an amenity heavy, multi-million dollar buildout reserved for the "like-minded" individuals. It's a $21B industry that serves only a small percentage of the population. 

LUXURIOUS MOMENTS WITHOUT THE HEFTY PRICE TAG

Birch Road Cellar takes a new twist on private club life with their BYOB neighborhood clubhouses. By eliminating the costly amenities that typically weigh down a private club, Birch Road Cellar's membership model is half the price of most competitors, does not impose strict barriers to membership, like member referrals or approval by committee, and maintains a low enrollment fee and no annual contracts. This approach makes private club life more accessible and welcoming to all people. We can create luxurious moments without a hefty price tag by giving people the opportunity, space, and freedom to make their own social night out. Studies show that starting with the Millennial Generation, adults are spending 70% more time at home than the general population yet the real estate in urban areas is trending smaller and more expensive.  The next generation may be homebodies, but they still prioritize friendships and value gathering with friends over food and drinks. They're creating a new playbook for socializing and bars and restaurants are not the answer. They've mastered their at-home Manhattan cocktail recipe and crave board game nights over expensive dinners and nightclubs. An elevated, yet affordable, DIY experience is very appealing to the next generation. 

Our clubhouses are the grown-up version of the neighborhood home base from your childhood. Conceptualized by two best friends, Birch Road is a place to relax, to play, to connect, and everything in between.

Birch Road clubhouses are a physical space that members have fingerprint access to every day from 8am – 1am. There are no bartenders, no service staff, no host to check-in with. By letting themselves in through the locked door, the club immediately feels more like home than a public space. Members can bring guests and host a night with friends anytime, no reservations required. The clubhouse is equipped with everything the members need for a luxurious night out, except the alcohol. Each member gets their own private locker in the temperature-controlled wine cellar that they stock themselves with their favorite wine, beer, or spirits. It’s not about storing the finest collections or who has the most expensive bottles, it’s about you having what you love, every time, no compromises. With a focus on creating a dynamic, diverse, and social community, members also have the option to use the clubhouse as a break in their work from home routine. The club can be the perfect spot to entertain clients or host team meetings without having to stress over the bill at the end of the experience. One reasonable monthly membership includes everything at Birch Road Cellar (starting at $105/month).

THE FOUNDERS

Birch Road is a tribute to all the friendships that formed in childhood, just because someone lived down the street. Sharon Provins & Kim Bosse met as kids, living on Birch Road, just outside of Chicago. Living in New York City post-college, the two pursued careers in business, but their entrepreneurial dreams were always on the horizon. Bosse ditched the boardrooms for bar rooms, accepting a position as Director of Operations for a hospitality group in Chicago. Overseeing seven different venues, in multiple cities, she gained 12 years of experience in all aspects of the bar & restaurant industry. Provins continued on in finance product development, gaining invaluable business experience working her way up at companies such as eTrade and Samsung. 

When the idea for a members clubhouse that was 100% BYOB came to them one night as they re-connected over a bottle of wine in Bosse's kitchen, it was a vision they could not shake. Eight years later, their partnership is proving to be a perfect match, bringing business knowledge and hospitality experience together to create, build, and grow Birch Road Cellar.  

FUNDING CAMPAIGN

With a current network of 3 clubhouse locations and 500+ members, Birch Road Cellar is seeking funding to continue it’s growth into new markets. Your contribution will go toward launching neighborhood clubhouses in more cities across the country. 

AS FEATURED IN

Whiskey Advocate

Forbes.com 

THANK YOU!

Your contribution makes a difference. Not only are you supporting two intrepid women who decided if we don't build this, someone else will, but you're also creating a space that is building community, creating genuine friendships, and creating unforgettable memories for people in cities across the country.

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Jane Walker First Women Grant Program
08/25/2021
Monetary Contribution
$10,000
Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

1 Supporter
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Shout out on Instagram!

We want to thank you loudly and proudly on our Instagram page!

0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Birch Road Glencairn Glass

Perfect for sipping bourbon or whiskey, get a traditional glencairn glass with the Birch Road emblem etched on the side.

8 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
200.00 USD
Crafthouse by Fortessa Cocktail Kit

A beautifully crafted shaker, bar spoon, muddler, and jigger to feel extra luxurious when making cocktails!

4 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
1,200.00 USD
1-Year Membership to Birch Road Cellar

Enjoy any of our clubhouses with a one year couples membership

0 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Chicago, IL
Created 1 Campaign
Lifestyle

Rewards

Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

1 Supporter
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Shout out on Instagram!

We want to thank you loudly and proudly on our Instagram page!

0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Birch Road Glencairn Glass

Perfect for sipping bourbon or whiskey, get a traditional glencairn glass with the Birch Road emblem etched on the side.

8 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
200.00 USD
Crafthouse by Fortessa Cocktail Kit

A beautifully crafted shaker, bar spoon, muddler, and jigger to feel extra luxurious when making cocktails!

4 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
1,200.00 USD
1-Year Membership to Birch Road Cellar

Enjoy any of our clubhouses with a one year couples membership

0 Supporters
Select this reward