Meet Chris O’Neill | Owner, The West End Lounge

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris O’Neill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had this dream of opening a bar for many years. When the pandemic hit the desire to fulfill this dream felt more urgent and I thought “if not now, when?” The next step was determining what the city was missing. Through research it was clear an elegant and sophisticated venue where people can enjoy our exceptional craft cocktails, live music and great hospitality service would do very well here. When you step into The West End, you’re not just entering a bar; you’re entering a place like nowhere else in the area. Our guests often say they feel like they’ve been transported to an elegant lounge in New York. I’m very grateful to our guests who embraced the lounge and continue to make it a huge success.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
2) Social impact: how does your business help the community or the world?

In addition to providing a safe space particularly for the LGBTQ+ community to meet with friends and enjoy the chill vibes, we support local organizations that further advance the causes of this community and beyond. From staging cabarets that benefit local arts organizations to hosting an event for one of South Florida’s largest holiday toy drives, we aim to give back to those in need, whoever they may be.

3) Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?

I think risk is often said with a negative connotation. For me, life is not as rewarding if I don’t take risks, especially professionally. I’ve always been driven by new adventures and those usually carry risks. Opening up this cocktail lounge has been a wonderful adventure but it certainly came with some risks. One of my favorite quotes is “Life begins outside your comfort zone.” That’s certainly true for me.

4) What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?

Truly understanding your brand and staying true to it is critical to our success. We provide an elegant setting with amazing craft cocktails and high-quality service. I will never deviate from that. Just as important is having an amazing team that fully embraces the brand and enjoys delivering that exceptional service. Since opening in 2024 we have received awards for best cocktails, bartenders, servers and performers.

5) How to know whether to keep going or to give up?

For me it’s all about how you feel about where you’re going and where you’ve been. There were certainly tough times during the final months before we opened the doors. My business partner and good friend passed away several months before we opened. There were times when I questioned if I could even do this alone. If I had quit, it would have meant I accepted my life as is, as opposed to what it could be. I couldn’t do that nor would my business partner had wanted that.

6) Life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?

As any entrepreneur will tell you, you will end up working more hours than ever before. The difference is you’re enjoying it. There is truly an inner joy of running a business that people love. Having said that, when I do go on a vacation, I try to take myself off the grid knowing the great team will run the show back home.

7) What makes you happy? Why?

Nothing makes me happier than seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of our guests. Humans naturally crave companionship and watching that unfold in my lounge is truly a gift.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The secret sauce to any successful business is the team and I have the most amazing team. They care for each guest who walks through our doors. They truly make the lounge what it is.

Website: https://www.thewestendloungewm.com

Instagram: @westendlounge

Facebook: The West End Lounge