The beginning of this article was challenging, as it required recalling everything and reliving those emotions once again. Let's start from the very beginning.
In August of the 19th year, Talkies Bar opened its doors and gained tremendous popularity due to its unique concept, setting it apart from other bars in Podil. Such a venue format didn't exist in the area before, making it notably special. We were overwhelmed with immense happiness, but no one foresaw the danger ahead.
March 12, 2020, arrived. Looking back at that period, we understand it was our first trial. Frankly speaking, we weren't prepared for such difficulties. During the summer of '20, almost our entire bar team left us, and we did everything possible to survive. Thanks to our investors, we managed to navigate this challenging and arduous journey. To say it was tough would be an understatement. We extend sincere gratitude to our guests who inspired us, supported us by purchasing cocktails to go, future visit vouchers, and more, for their boundless support.
Time went by, and I was able to assemble a new team that continues to work with me to this day. This team embodies the values of our bar and has become an integral part of it. They are our true stars.
Time teaches, and we have become more confident, never neglecting the golden rule—always be prepared for the unexpected.
Then came a date that traumatized every living being in our country, shattered families, and presented us with new challenges. It's difficult to describe our emotions at that time, as it would be impossible to do so without tears, grief, and pain. That day marked the end of stability, plans, and, for many, life itself.
This time, I couldn't let go of the team that had worked tirelessly at the bar for two incredibly successful years. We had a budget, which could be called a «just in case» fund, prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Part of the team left the city, relocated to safer regions of the country, leaving everything behind and uncertain about their future.
What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Our budget was intended to support the team that remained without financial assistance. We paid for their apartments in the capital and provided them with money to sustain their lives. I believe this fact had a significant impact on the team—a factor of support, belief, and care.
On April 1, 2022, alcohol sales were permitted again in our country. I was in the capital and couldn't miss this moment. So, on April 1, I reopened the bar, and our beloved guests returned to us once more. Words fail me to express the gratitude I still feel. These people, true appreciators, continued to support us even when alcohol sales were only allowed until 4:00 PM. The bar operated, not without its difficulties, but we started making money again. It was at that moment I learned that my friend Tanya Kameneva had founded a foundation to support our soldiers on the frontlines, called «Shields Ukraine». I immediately contacted Tanya, and we decided to donate all tips to her foundation. It is thanks to our warriors, our heroes, that we are alive, here, and working. After all these acts of goodwill, we began gaining momentum. The team returned to the capital, and the bar became a place of tranquility, resonating with jazz, words of support, and gratitude.
We launched an updated version of our poetic menu, the «Ukraine Edition», where 50 hryvnias from each cocktail were donated to Tanya's foundation. The bar began earning again, and we introduced a highly resonant menu dedicated to zodiac signs. Through this menu, we increased the amount we contribute to the foundation (50 hryvnias from each cocktail, starting from the poetic menu until today). Currently, we have a menu dedicated to artistic styles. It is a special menu for us, where we expressed our creativity, utilized local ingredients, and ventured into working with artificial intelligence.
To say that the past year and a half has been challenging would be an understatement. It was a time of trials, unity, and belief—in the belief of victory.
I sincerely want to thank our investors, who never stopped believing in us. Our team, who didn't give up and remains by our side. Our guests, who faced this journey with us. The «Shields Ukraine» foundation and Tanya, who support our soldiers.
Thanks to all these people, we still exist. People for people. People for the sake of people. A special thanks to everyone defending our country. Without you, we wouldn't be here.
Believe in Ukraine, believe in yourselves.
Glory to the defense forces.
Glory to Ukraine.
