Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Petersen.
Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
We are Michael Petersen and Eric Odness, both Minnesota natives that have lived in NYC for the last 20 years. We own and operate a bar in Brooklyn named Goldie’s, which has been open for 9 years now. I live and work in NYC, operating my business Allsorts Inc. in Greenpoint BK, along with our bar Goldie’s. When my partner Eric Odness relocated to Minneapolis with his family, we began our search for a location that could be developed into our new concept for Zhora Darling: To have a comfortable bar with pool tables, excellent cocktails and drink offerings, along with casual but up-scaled dining options, and finally but most importantly, to have a music+event space, to showcase local bands as well as national touring acts.
We’re interested in providing and becoming an all-around space where you can spend a full day, from having food with a Vikings/Wolves/Wild game, shooting some pool, plenty of space for a large friend group, and then roll in to the venue for excellent music in the evening. All the while being served up top notch drinks and beers. If you’re feeling extra fun, book the private karaoke room with friends and turn it out!
We will be opening our back yard outdoor patio space this spring/summer as well! Currently we have sidewalk seating for enjoyment, with service so you don’t have to go in and out for each drink / plate.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We have endured some struggles, indeed! Some predictable, like adjusting our food program to suit the public responses and market. We initially had brought a menu and support from our friend restaurant in Brooklyn, but was not received well. We have now settled in with a new chef and kitchen organization, and are focused on making more comforting food options for a more casual / chill experience. We want to be the place where you can order yourself food without having to have a formal table experience: Meaening your friends may feel like eating also, or just operate on their own time, and it all works!
Aaaaand the larger struggles provided by the City – mainly a full 9 month period of road construction in front of our building! We had no parking, barely was possible to walk down the sidewalk to get into our space, and couldn’t use our sidewalk to offer seating, for most of 2024. And of course once we’d gotten the parking back and sidewalk usable, the winter weather hit us hard!
But all said, we’re excited to be opening up our backyard patio this summer – ASAP! We will then have a fully rounded offering set for spaces to enjoy, indoor and out!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Zhora Darling is a Bar and Restaurant, along with a bustling Music Venue that doubles as a rentable venue for events.
We have a generous amount of space dedicated to our Bar and bar-like activities (loads of bar stool seats, hi-top tables, comfy booth seating, pool tables, sports on TV, room to socialize). We also have a 40+ seating dedicated dining room, just partitioned enough to feel a little separated from the Bar area, but not separated from the action completely.
We’re most proud of our Music venue and the success we’re having developing our booking program, and the variety of our shows as well as the robust attendance we’re seeing. We truly enjoy and appreciate being a part of the local music scene, and welcoming touring acts from across the country as well.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We’re looking forward to seeing you!
Pricing:
- Monday 5:00 – 2:00am: All Day Happy Hour $2 off drafts, well drinks, wine, and small plates.
- Tuesday 2 for 1’s 5:00pm – 11:00pm: Drafts & well drinks, & wines
- Wednesday – Friday 5:00-7:00pm: Happy Hour $2 off drafts, wells, wine and small plates
- Sunday 10:00pm – 2:00am: Industry Night 20% off All food and drinks
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zhoradarling.com
- Instagram: @zhoradarling @zhoradarlingpresents
