A Party Slush Fund? We’re Down

by David Klemt

Innovation and adaptability have always been crucial for hospitality. Today, in increasingly challenging times, both are more important than ever.

So, whenever we come across an idea that’s outside the norm, we pay attention. Two days ago, we came across one such promotion.

The originators are a New York-based concept called Torch & Crown Brewing Company. They operate two locations, one in SoHo, and another in Union Square.

Torch & Crown is well aware that people appear to be pulling back from spending in bars, restaurants, clubs… Pretty much anywhere that’s offering anything not deemed essential.

To motivate people to gather and “throw down,” Torch & Crown has introduced their Slush Fund.

Their Story

From what I can find, the founders of Torch & Crown, Joe Correia and John Dantzler, are childhood friends. Yes, I put their names in alphabetical order because I feel like they may be competitive people.

They took an interesting route into brewing beer.

Basically, they wanted to drink beer while underage (something we would never endorse, of course) but were thwarted at the age of 16. That’s the age they were when their fake IDs were confiscated by a business in the East Village.

As the story goes, the duo got their hands on a homebrew kit, proceeded to cause it to erupt, and were grounded for weeks. Apparently unfazed, the two learned how to brew beer, and even entered homebrew contests.

During a trip to Ireland, Correia and Dantzler committed to opening their own brewery. They accomplished that goal in the 2010s, opening a brewery in the Bronx.

In 2021, the duo opened a 9,000-square-foot brewery with a taproom and restaurant. Upon opening, Torch & Crown became the only production brewery in Manhattan.

The company has faced its own challenges, as most operators have for the past several years. From what I’ve gathered, their production team was let go roughly one year ago. With any luck, the skilled team members have found new brewing homes.

Slush Fund

Now, let’s get into why we’re here.

Torch & Crown has announced Slush Fund, and they describe it on their Instagram profile as a “party scholarship program.” People pitch a party to them via this link. The team selects their favorite pitches—considering theme, vibe, what makes the idea special, the Torch & Crown location, and proposed date—and the winners receive an impressive party package.

First, successful pitches can select the SoHo location, Union Square location, or help setting up their own party venue. Second, Torch & Crown provides up to $5,000 in beer, non-alc beverages, food, and decor. Finally, those selected also get support from the Torch & Crown team to bring their party idea to life.

The application process is open now, and the plan is to select five pitches for each season. That’s 20 parties across a calendar year.

The Slush Fund Copy

Below, you’ll find the text of Torch & Crown’s post about the Slush Fund party scholarship.

“The data is in: partying is dead. We’ve read the think pieces, we’ve seen the stats, and as a bar, we feel it. People are drinking less, gathering less, and opting out because it feels too expensive, too stressful, or just too much. We recently learned that some people literally thought house parties only existed in movies…

“So, that’s where we come in…Torch & Crown is here to revive the lost art of throwing down. Introducing Slush Fund: our party scholarship program designed to help you party like it’s the summer of 2016. Each season of the year, we’ll pick 5 party pitches and provide:

🍻 Venue space at our SoHo or Union Square locations — or help throwing down at yours
🎉 Up to $5K in beer, food, non-alc drinks, and decor
👯 Our team’s support to bring your idea to life

“We’re currently taking applications for our fall Slush Fund parties. Tell us your theme, your vibe, and where you’d host. If you’re selected, we’ll help make it happen. Link in bio to apply!”

Image: Canva