Thriving through the Pandemic
Bar Helix has always had a welcoming ambiance, serving improvised Negronis alongside modest bites. It was praised early on by the surrounding community and promoted by local media and internet influencers. When the pandemic hit, the bar’s favored mode of operation turned out to be its biggest challenge.
To curb the spread of the virus, bars in Denver were ordered to close by March 17th. Luckily, the state of Colorado soon after legalized the sale of food and drinks to-go. This prompted reorganization and transformation in Bar Helix’s business in order to keep it open during the early phases of the outbreak.
The menu was first in line for transformation with take-out being introduced sometime in April. Unfortunately, with the heavy regulations on lockdown, this venture barely managed to make up 10% to 20% of the bar’s average monthly income.
June came along and bars were allowed to reopen with strict emphasis to a rule on restricted capacity. To comply with the new regulations, Anderson attempted something completely different. This shift gave rise to Cabana X. It was a tropical pop-up restaurant set up on a nearby deck at Bar Helix.
This tropical staycation sensation was developed and built completely from scratch within that short time. New furniture had to be brought in and arrangements had to be made to accommodate the new menu and a reservation and point-of-sale system. The concept was set to run the entire summer and featured rapidly changing tropical-inspired menus.
Impact of Transformation
Anderson believes that the frequent change in tropical themes kept audiences interested and that it added positively to the early favorable publicity of a media-and-influencer night. Given that an outdoor patio with a tropical motif is very different from a cozy lounge with a DJ, Anderson’s risk paid off and helped her attract new clientele.
As most of us can attest, during the pandemic, people became more appreciative of the service industry and this change was echoed by the staff at Bar Helix. Many wait staff and bartenders noticed that they were now recognized and shown higher appreciation by the clients. What’s more is that people became less impatient. Enough to realize that a 15-minute wait was not that long at all.
Cabana X was initially scheduled to run for about eight weeks, but backed by popular demand, it was extended for an additional six. The patio pop-up store was officially discontinued on October 10. Tropical Cabana X was a risk that turned out to be a huge success even though it was a struggle to keep it open and running.
Events
Negroni Week is an annual national holiday and fund-raiser for numerous charities. It will take place from September 12 through September 25 this year. Bar Helix will undoubtedly join in on the celebrations and my roommate and I can’t wait to sample their surprise twist in their unlimited versions of bittersweet Negroni cocktails.
Tell a friend to tell a friend
Bar Helix is the place to be if you want to experience the glamorous social life. Whether for brunch and cocktails on a stress free weekday or a guaranteed good time out with friends or lovers, Bar Helix is a healthy indulgence for the soul.
Bar Helix is open from Tuesday through Saturday at 3440 Larimer Street. Call 720-449-8587 or visit the bar’s Instagram for the latest hours and menus.