Meet Rob granicolo | Gallery & Cocktail Bar Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rob granicolo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rob, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think that in order to get to a place outside of ones comfort they need to analyze the risks involved and how succeeding at that project will create benefits & rewards. These benefits can be achieved in all aspects of ones life, by not worrying about regretting our future decisions we can think clearly and really focus on what it takes to knock the task out of the park. Taking risks has gotten me to the next level of my career through some successful and unsuccessful attempts, the key for me was never biting off more than I could chew – Mainly don’t lose too much money that could put me in a precarious situation. When the money begins to work for me and the people on my team are cashing in I know it’s a success. For me in life it’s all about taking risks that will ultimately result in happiness for myself and those around me. Sit back, take deep breaths and talk to friends and people who’s opinion you respect- They want you to succeed. Meet with them over and over, keep learning and understanding their perspective. Obviously cover the tab when you call the exchange.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is a hybrid art gallery & cocktail bar. This concept hadn’t been done in Canada so there was lots of “what-if” upon getting it going off the ground.

I’m most proud of being recognized as one of the best cocktail bars and galleries in Toronto. It’s a very competitive city with a very educated palette. Our curator has a strong presence in the art community, without him there would be no pull to show at our gallery, we get dozens of enquiries weekly and our programming is dialed in for the next year. Demand is good. People don’t mess around here, if you don’t give them a reason to return they simply wont. Could be the spicy margs too.

Nothing worthwhile is easy, if you’re looking for easy I strongly recommend you don’t start your own business. No need to elaborate on this.

We dealt with everything from city planners and construction nightmares all the way to artists and obtaining a liquor license before being able to open a vision we didn’t know would actually work. “Will people buy art”? “Will people think it’s too gimmicky”? “Will people be open to coming to a fringe part of the city”? Hundreds of questions went through our heads before opening but we stuck to the original vision and haven’t looked back.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’re always asked this question from people visiting, I always try to remind myself that it’s impossible to cover our city like a local since it’s enormous and filled with so many amazing pockets – Some terrible touristy and clubby ones too that you should avoid.

When you leave our spot there are some excellent restaurants and bars on Dundas Street West – Our usual recommendation for people on our waitlist for drinks is Midfield Wine Bar, Project Gigglewater, and La Piscina. Each is within a 5 min walk from our spot. If they’re looking to eat since we don’t have cooked food we suggest Antler, Enoteca Sociale, or Bouffe – all within a 5 min walk from our bar too. My favourite spot for cocktails is definitely Civil Liberties and a casual drink I like to suggest Montauk or Piccolo – It’s the human connections at these places that make them all awesome, as long as you aren’t rude. Toronto has a excellent Caribbean and Tibetan food too, something you learn I guess when you visit other cities – There are two spots in Parkdale I suggest, Loga’s Corner and Pat’s Home Style – I visit weekly. Go for lunch. I like to suggest making ones way over to the East end of Toronto too for one night in the Gerrard gauntlet, there is a medley of dope spots – Definitely need to go to Poor Romeo and Pinkerton’s Snack Bar.

If you have a full afternoon I’d suggest taking a stroll in High Park, its a nice escape and there’s lots of walking to be done, don’t wear nice shoes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d be absolutely nowhere without the support of my team and my business partners. We truly tackle every day like it’s already been won. usually we’re pretty good at overcoming challenges but there are some days where it just seems impossible. This always passes. In the moment it’s bloody awful, but these things never go away. How you deal with them as a team is what sets good and great businesses apart. The love and encouragement from ones life partner is what keeps a beam of positivity in ones life. Without a positive attitude life can be a negative sludgy mess that feels like you’re constantly catching up. I prefer to stop and smell the truffles. The Steve Jobs and Matthew McConaughey books were impactful for me – If you haven’t read them, I strongly recommend.

Website: crybabygallery.ca

Instagram: @crybaby.gallery

Image Credits
Rick O’Brien https://www.rickobrienphotographer.com/