Today we’d like to introduce you to Elle Nelson
Hi Elle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I didn’t have a clear vision for what I wanted to study in college. I knew a few keys things about myself:
1. I love to work with people.
2. I need change in whatever job I work.
3. I feel most alive and satisfied when I’m creating spaces for connection.
I chose the Education pathway to be a high school teacher because it was a respectable job that fit the above criteria and finished my undergrad then chose not to pursue my Masters or teaching license. Instead, I started bartending. It was supposed to just be a temporary thing until I figured out what I wanted to do next, but I got HOOKED. I never knew who was going to sit down at my bar and it was my job to provide excellent service to people from all walks of life. It tested my people-skills, increased my multi-tasking abilities, and challenged me to create a memorable and enjoyable experience to each guest. The service industry has a way of getting in your bones. At a fast-paced, high-volume bar or restaurant, you have to do 100 things at once. It’s an unbeatable adrenaline rush.
I bartended full time for four years and in those long nights and late hours, the dream to open my own bar formed.
When I knew the space formerly known as Central Depot was going to become available (I bartended there previously), I went to the leasing office the next day to lock it in before it was publicly on the market. I knew how to do the bartending side of things, I just needed to learn how to run a business. Simple enough.
It took me 2.5 months to get the bar renovated and licensed. I was working a full time job as a Project Manager for a government contracting company while all of this was happening, so those 2.5 months were nonstop and the most fun. My friends and family rallied around me and my dream and were active hands in all the work to make it come to life. I am endlessly thankful for them.
December 23rd, 2022, Monkey’s Bar opened. My dream was alive and it still feels surreal.
Where did the name come from? Well, I got a Golden Retriever puppy in January 2022. Circa Gossip Girl in 2011 (IYKYK), I chose to name him Monkey. It started out as a joke in my head — what if I name my business Monkey’s Bar? It’s like a double pun. Clearly, the joke became reality and Monkey’s Bar is alive and thriving, celebrating our year and a half of business so far!
We’re just getting started. 🙂
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Opening a new business, especially a bar dealing with all the licensing requirements, is probably rarely called “smooth”. The 2.5 month turnaround time was insane to pull off and I remember when the stress was causing me chest pain and I couldn’t turn my brain off to sleep at night. The to-do list was endless. If I did not have multiple friends that were in the bar with me every night working on renovations and putting the heart and soul into Monkey’s Bar that you can still tangibly feel, I would not have been able to open as quickly as I did.
Working through time management, sleep schedule, performing well at my full time job while opening Monkey’s definitely stretched me to new limits. I have no regrets and will do it again when the next opportunity arises. 🙂
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Monkey’s Bar?
Monkey’s Bar is a friendly neighborhood bar and small event space, aptly named after the Golden Retriever face of the business: Monkey. We are a craft cocktail bar with unique in-house recipes for both our cocktail and mocktail menus, and a pristine beer selection between our rotating drafts and canned/bottled options. Our space loves to host small events and excellent for groups that want to come in and experience a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In true 2024 fashion, our vibe sets us apart. There is tangible connective energy at Monkey’s Bar. It is designed to be a place for people to connect and have incredibly fun and memorable experiences. The extra lucky ones get meet the namesake himself when he comes into the bar working double duty: being a good boy and making our lives better.
What makes you happy?
I think the gift of community is the most beautiful thing in the world. I’m at my happiest when I’m able to use my resources/gifts to create spaces for people to connect. Life is the most enjoyable to share experiences with others and create memories. Opening Monkey’s Bar and using it as a space for connection is one of my greatest joys.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monkeysbarknox.com
- Instagram: @monkeysbarknox
- Facebook: Monkey’s Bar Knoxville
