This week on the Brandmouthing podcast, I talk about the strength of having a story behind a brand.
On the final night of Affiliate Summit East 2009, I ended up at McSorley’s Old Ale House in New York City. This is a place I’ve really enjoyed in the past, but why go out of the way to get there when there are tons of bars in the city?
McSorley’s has a story, or actually they have stories. The bar was established in 1854 and they claim it is “America’s oldest, continuously operated bar.” And it looks it inside.
The spot also features just two beers, or rather ales – their own: light and dark, and you order them in sets of two.
Up until 1970, women were not allowed in McSorley’s. They relented when they were sued into it. The place is one big narrative, and that’s part of their charm and success.
As I was heading there in a cab with Jim Kukral, he posted a Tweet about our destination. Almost immediately, he got a response from a McSorley’s devotee, Joe Magennis.
How about your company? Your brand? Do people care about it and look forward to experiencing it?
Show Notes
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The title “America’s oldest, continuously operated bar.” is not made by McSorley's.
The title "New York's Oldest continualy operated saloon" was given to McSorley's the day after Prohibition ended by the New York Herald Tribune.
McSorley's itself simply states "We Were Here Before You Were Born"
I put that statement in quotations, because it comes from their own Web site – it is in the first sentence on their "tour page" at http://www.mcsorleysnewyork.com/tour_01.html
"Indulge yourself, if you will, on a virtual tour of America's oldest, continuously operated bar."
I have multiple stories about McSorley's just like everyone else who goes there (sounds like it would be a good online community – listening McSorley's?)
The first time I ever went there was a Saturday afternoon in the Fall. There was a group of girls with some space at their table, so we just joined in. We kept the barmaid hopping for most of the afternoon …. need to mention also how the barmaids can carry around 12 – 14 mugs at a time by holding one with each finger and then strategic pressure on the entire round of beers, there's probably a record holder of some kind … anyway, crowds had started to line up outside & the pub owners had been paying attention. They actually came over to the table and asked all of the girls to either a) increase their consumption or b) leave!
No PC on their part .. keep up or get out. My buddy and I just waved so long and continued with our merriment.
BTW to get a sense of when this was, they only had co-ed bathrooms at the time.
It is a great brand, I used to proudly wear my "We were here before you were born" shirt around until it disintegrated.. and I try to return whenever possible, usually bringing along someone new so I can share the brand's story with them as well.
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