In the last 10 years, our country has seen three presidents, a pandemic and inflation. We have seen businesses close and new ones open the very next day. In the food and beverage world, being established for a decade is a major accomplishment, especially in this climate.
The Dinghy goes beyond being an island staple; it is a true iconic establishment. On July 3, the restaurant, bar, live music venue and popular local gathering spot will celebrate their 10-year anniversary. The hospitality venture was formed from a split partnership between former IOP mayor and restaurateur Malcolm Burgis and Bret Jones of Mount Pleasant.
“We opened the place not knowing what to expect. We were hoping to get the locals and their business and, you know, get the tourists as it came,” explained Jones, owner of The Dinghy.
On opening day, locals walked in proudly supporting the new place and never left. Jones received his inspiration for The Dinghy while researching and visiting other bars around the country, specifically modeled after dive bars in Key West, Florida.
Burgis, proprietor of The Windjammer, owned the building where The Dinghy stands. Jones asked Burgis what he was going to do with the building and Burgis in turn inquired if Jones had any ideas. That very night Jones created the vision for The Dinghy, presented it to Burgis and in a few days, Jones opened the door to the building that would become The Dinghy.
“We took nine months, rehabbed the building. At this point, I was still working at The Windjammer. I would come over after getting off work around 3 a.m. and work on it until 6 a.m.,” Jones explained. Not only was Jones working on the building, but he also had a newborn at home as well, so the first year of The Dinghy was quite the balancing act.
“The Dinghy is proven to be a necessity to the island. For many, it’s a place to meet up with friends to hang out, pregame before a Jammer show or celebrate an event. I have a family at The Dinghy. We celebrated the best of times and have come together for the worst,” said Rachel Antognioni, a longtime bartender who has been serving at The Dinghy since the very beginning.
If you are a true local, then you have probably spent some quality time at The Dinghy. Mark your calendars for July 3 and join the celebration. There will be giveaways and swag. KB will be playing from 3-6 p.m. while The Malin Wagnon Trio performs from 6-9 p.m.
The Dinghy is also rolling out new merchandise, but you need to swing by to see it. Come show support and help them kick off the next decade in style.
By Maurice J. Frazier
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