The Dorchester Reporter reports on the transformation of Peggy O’Neil’s into something called blend, which features a lower-case name burnished in a polished-metal logo, with a period at the end for emphasis.
First old neighborhood eating/drinking establishments, some that had the word "restaurant" as part of their names and/or the name(s) of the owner(s), get an "organic" name revamp. This could include a new, non-descriptive name done up in non-traditional fonts and erratic punctuation where one has to guess what type of establishment it is and then we continue.
It's nice to see one of the local businesses trying to adapt but also maintain a space for their long-time customers. The more common alternative seems to be a business that fails to recognize the changes in the neighborhood and shuts down. Like it or not, Dot is gentrifying. Has been for 25 years.
There was a good stretch where it seemed like every time a dive bar in Dot closed the liquor license was snatched up at a premium price to be used in a more downtown location. Peabody Sq Tavern and Pony Room (Ups & Downs) are good examples. The area could definitely support more local restaurants and bars just based on population density. If they ever really fixed the convoluted system of liquor licensing in the city I think you would find a lot of small but very interesting owner operated restaurants popping up. It's what I see when I visit friends in places like Philly or DC but is sorely lacking here.
I’ve been to this bar during the renovations several times (mostly empty) and I wouldn’t say they are going hipster per se just trying to attract more of the D-Bar crowd after closing time. My theory is they attempting to change the late night thug vibe you get when you arrive at 1am. All the posters at “blend” are for gay nights.
What late night thug vibe? They are very particular when letting customers in and even come up with a “private event” excuse sometimes. Hasn’t been a rough crowd there in years.
The rebranding, which came about organically during a late night brainstorming session, draws on cocktail terms to conjure images of a hip, trendy bar. Set in a lower-case, side-lit font on the building’s transformed facade, “blend” and a new motto of “sip. dine. dance.” are meant to give the place an updated, sophisticated aesthetic. But, say those involved in reshaping, the name works on multiple levels.
oh, multiple levels, much organic, so innovate, many original.
as if there weren't numerous bars called blend across the United States already.
Comments
Bland
Bland
Typo
I think you mean
--------------bland.
Looks like something
That belongs in the theatre district. Given the location, it will be interesting to see if it does well...
I'm a millennial
& this is too "millennial" for me. Trying too hard to be "hip". NOT a fan of the name. Belongs in Miami Beach, not on Dot Ave.
So....
They are not bringing back the Glass Top Longue theme of the 80's to this location?
What a shame. (Just kidding).
Dot - the City Part of Town.
Dot - the City Part of Town. Welcome Home.
A name change is always good.
Especially when you need to bury the history of $100K fines for denying admission to minorities.
Was going to mention this!
Was going to mention this! Glad someone beat me to it!
Apparently
well thought out kerning is not on the menu.
|o|end
To compete with the South End
To compete with the South End its the "lol end"
and oh so Sodosopa...
and oh so Sodosopa...
(No subject)
Just part of the gentrification process, son,
First old neighborhood eating/drinking establishments, some that had the word "restaurant" as part of their names and/or the name(s) of the owner(s), get an "organic" name revamp. This could include a new, non-descriptive name done up in non-traditional fonts and erratic punctuation where one has to guess what type of establishment it is and then we continue.
You're right, but
It's nice to see one of the local businesses trying to adapt but also maintain a space for their long-time customers. The more common alternative seems to be a business that fails to recognize the changes in the neighborhood and shuts down. Like it or not, Dot is gentrifying. Has been for 25 years.
Yes, but no
Savin Hill (& the Polish Triangle) is... that's about it..
Agreed
To say Dorchester's been gentrifying for 25 years is bold. It's really only Savin Hill
Have you been to Adams
Have you been to Adams Village or Lower Mills lately?
Better upgrading than gone
There was a good stretch where it seemed like every time a dive bar in Dot closed the liquor license was snatched up at a premium price to be used in a more downtown location. Peabody Sq Tavern and Pony Room (Ups & Downs) are good examples. The area could definitely support more local restaurants and bars just based on population density. If they ever really fixed the convoluted system of liquor licensing in the city I think you would find a lot of small but very interesting owner operated restaurants popping up. It's what I see when I visit friends in places like Philly or DC but is sorely lacking here.
Like Sonny the sell out?
Like Sonny the sell out? Industry is no Sonny’s.
Peggy’s
I’ve been to this bar during the renovations several times (mostly empty) and I wouldn’t say they are going hipster per se just trying to attract more of the D-Bar crowd after closing time. My theory is they attempting to change the late night thug vibe you get when you arrive at 1am. All the posters at “blend” are for gay nights.
What late night thug vibe?
What late night thug vibe? They are very particular when letting customers in and even come up with a “private event” excuse sometimes. Hasn’t been a rough crowd there in years.
*SNERT*
oh, multiple levels, much organic, so innovate, many original.
as if there weren't numerous bars called blend across the United States already.
I was there this weekend.
There is nothing new about it except for the name, bigger windows and a slightly re-arranged dining area!
Bring back the 1310!
Bring back the 1310
k.d. lang will cut the ribbon
k.d. lang will cut the ribbon.