As the big winner of the inaugural 5X5 Night, Brian Gerrity recalls that the real pressure was not from winning the night's big prize, a $2,000 grant. Rather, Gerrity cites the pressure of presenting his idea to an external audience. "Many chefs don't have the opportunity to speak in front of groups," he says.
Now, just over two months later, Gerrity's dream of "kicking the local food culture in the pants" with his concept of
http://www.fireandknife.comFire & Knife, an underground supper club, is becoming a reality with the sale this week of the first tickets to a dinner.
"This announcement would never have taken place without the help of 5X5 Night," he says. He further elaborates that the 5X5 Night team have been very helpful -- "Hands off, no pressure, but very supportive."
Gerrity explains the $2,000 was helpful (he still has the majority of the cash in the bank), but the real value came from the exposure given to his venture at 5X5 -- the subsequent public relations, positive buzz (the Facebook page was launched just prior to event and now has over 250 fans) and, most importantly, the "validation of his idea."
With the first Fire & Knife dinner ready to launch, Gerrity is looking to play a role in making the city more friendly to the local food culture.
"Corporate restaurants are a concern," Gerrity says. "Communities need their own food culture, but the city does not make it easy for food entrepreneurs." He references regulations limiting the use of food trucks, a prime, lower-capital opportunity.
But first things first, as Gerrity acknowledges this type of change will take time and his focus, for the time being, will be on the first Fire & Knife event and planning for the second.
Source: Brian Gerrity, Fire & Knife
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor
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