Michael Kennedy

A sports bar concept already built with real structure behind it

Crossbars is the biggest active project I am working on. It brings together several things that fit naturally for me – hockey culture, hospitality, live entertainment, branding, and creating a place with strong community identity. The concept is designed as more than just a bar. It is meant to be a destination that feels rooted in sports, music, energy, and local connection.

This work is already well beyond the idea stage. The domain and website are built, the branding is established, the entertainment model has been outlined, the merchandise direction is in place, and the broader operating concept has been developed in detail. I am also now working with a Realtor to identify the right location, which makes the project feel much more active and real.

More than just a place to eat and drink

• A hockey-driven sports bar concept with its own identity
• A live music and entertainment destination
• A brand built around atmosphere, community, and experience
• A concept with real operating structure already outlined
• A project actively moving toward the right venue and execution path

A collaboration designed to connect league branding with a local brewery

Another active initiative I am currently working on is a Summer Shift beer collaboration with Untold Brewing. The concept is built around launching a branded seasonal beer tied to the Summer Shift identity, supported by a kickoff event, strong built-in league turnout, live music, and coordinated promotion throughout the summer.

This is not vague brainstorming. A formal collaboration proposal is already prepared, and I am meeting with Untold to discuss the opportunity and whether there is a fit to move it forward.

One idea feeding into something larger

What makes this especially interesting to me is that it is not just about a one-off beer release. If it comes together, I would like to see that beer tied into the rink environment at Lovell Arena and eventually become part of the Crossbars vision as well. That kind of connected thinking is a big part of how I approach active projects – creating ideas that can support one another and build long-term value instead of existing in isolation.

It is the kind of work I enjoy most: identifying an opportunity, building the structure around it, and then looking for ways to extend its reach.

Building with structure, identity, and practical next steps

I tend to approach these ventures the same way I approach larger professional work – with organization, branding discipline, clear planning, and a focus on turning ideas into something executable. I like building the pieces that make a concept feel real early on: the look, the message, the audience, the flow, the experience, and the operational thinking behind it.

That helps me move projects forward with more confidence and gives potential partners, venues, or collaborators something concrete to react to rather than just hearing a rough idea.

Hospitality, entertainment, hockey, and local brand building

The common thread through all of this active work is creating ventures that bring people together and feel rooted in something genuine. Whether that is a sports bar concept, a collaborative beer launch, or future promotions tied to a league audience, the goal is to build things that are memorable, well presented, and supported by a real community behind them.

That is the kind of work I want to keep building – not just concepts that look good on paper, but projects that can actually gain traction in the real world.