CORNWALL, Ontario. – The bar space at 113 ½ Pitt Street, behind Kastner’s, has changed hands many times over the years but this time around, the location’s newest nightclub is changing its ambience instead of its owner.
The Crooked Cashé held its grand opening on Saturday, September 10 to show off its newest updates and fresh features. A packed house full of party goers danced the night away celebrating the revival of the well-known bar space.
Owner Matthew Girgis had also owned the previous bar at the same location, Vu Night Spot, since 2014 after being an employee there since 2011. When it became apparent that the crowd was deteriorating and the clientele didn’t quite meet what he had envisioned for Vu, it was decided the time had come for a facelift and a complete re-brand.
Girgis explains his reasoning: “I really just wanted to raise the bar a little bit—no pun intended. It was time to appropriately brand what we have here instead of trying to be something we’re not”.
“The building is 110 years old and it’s literally crooked so that’s where the name came from” added Girgis.
To help maintain its new image, the Crooked Cashé will have theme nights and drink specials that will appeal to an older crowd. With the upstairs area modified into a more café-like space, the bar has brought Game Nights onto its roster. Every Thursday night, patrons can play one of the bar’s board games or bring their own if they prefer.
“The goal is to bring Cornwall together, whether it’s over drinks on the weekend or by enjoying some friendly competition playing ‘Risk’ on a Thursday” said Girgis “People always complain there’s nothing to do in this city but we want to change that mindset”.
Cornwall’s restaurant and bar sector has shifted a lot in recent years and Girgis’s hope for The Crooked Cashé is to bring the once vibrant club scene back to life.
“Partying has become mundane and repetitive so that’s why we’re trying to bring new and innovative ideas to the bar, including more live music. I’ve grown up with the bar and I want the bar to grow with me”.
The Crooked Cashé is open every Thursday through Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.