Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicolas Mermet
Hi Nicolas, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Nicolas Mermet, a French native who moved to Kansas City in 2016 with my two business partners, Romain and Kevin. We met in school and interned together in 2011-2012 in Parkville, MO, while studying at a hospitality and culinary school. After spending six months in the Midwest, we had the opportunity to return and purchase Westport Cafe, a Parisian-inspired bistro and cocktail bar in the heart of Westport.
Shortly after taking over Westport Cafe, we decided to start a craft cocktail catering company specializing in high-end cocktails. We cater events of all sizes, from small cocktail parties at private homes to gatherings of over 800 people.
Last year, we had the opportunity to take over 2016 Main, an event space and art gallery in the Crossroads District. We now host our own events, often French-themed like Fête de la Musique, and open to the public for First Fridays to showcase artists. A significant part of our activities at 2016 Main includes weddings and corporate events.
Earlier this year, Westport Cafe was nominated as a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award, a testament to our hard work and dedication.
We have been living in Kansas City for nearly eight years now, and we absolutely love it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not!
When we took over Westport Cafe, all the employees were older than us. It took some time for them to truly understand our dedication and skills.
As a restaurant, we went through COVID, and obviously, Sidecar went from hosting 10 events a month to absolutely zero.
Being an entrepreneur can be quite challenging. Unlike having a boss to ask for days off when you lose someone or fall sick, we have to manage everything ourselves. However, we are fortunate to have a really strong partnership.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I know you reached out to my Sidecar address, so I’ll focus on Sidecar.
We are a bartending company specializing in craft cocktails, which means we only use experienced bartenders and make our cocktails with house-made syrups and fresh juices. In our world, a vodka-sprite-grenadine isn’t a cocktail. All our cocktails are either shaken or stirred, and we love to create themed bars.
For example, at the Plaza Art Fair Polsinelli party, we set up an Espresso Martini bar featuring four different martinis: Regular, Creamy, Rum Espresso Martini, and Highball (house-made cold brew soda).
We also enjoy creating unique cocktails for our clients. (See our website for more creations!)
In addition, we offer cocktail classes where we teach people how to create craft cocktails, along with tips and tricks.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t think luck is a mysterious thing at all. Luck comes with consistency and persistence.
With Sidecar, to develop small cocktail parties and spread the word, I would sign contracts for company happy hours for around $300. I would bartend by myself, probably spending close to $200 on booze and delivering awesome cocktails. I knew I had to sacrifice time and money to reach potential customers.
As an entrepreneur, balancing personal life can be quite challenging, but we make it happen. One thing I’m lucky to have is a partner who is also an entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sidecarkc.com or westportcafe.com or 2016mainkc.com
- Instagram: @sidecar_kc
