Featured Merchant: Hazel – Art. Bar. Community.
One of the newest businesses to join the South Pearl Street family is Hazel, near the corner of Iowa and South Pearl. It’s a bar… but not JUST a bar. It’s a center for Denver’s art community to showcase and support local artists. In December of 2018, Tori Schumacher opened the establishment to encourage creative interaction while enjoying creative cocktails.
Hazel strongly supports local art by displaying monthly creations from local artists. Additionally, a portion of all art sales are donated back into the community and allow the featured artist to decide which foundation they would like to support. At Hazel, patrons not only get to experience art on display but can get hands-on and create some art of their own. Visitors are encouraged to bring in their own supplies and work on their craft – no reservations required!
The name Hazel comes from Tori’s Great Aunt. Aunt Hazel did not have any kids of her own, but played a key role in looking after the family when Tori’s grandmother passed away. She deeply loved all of her nieces and nephews. Before Aunt Hazel’s death, she wrote a letter to Tori saying that the best way to pay her back was to help others and pay it forward to the community. It was only fitting to Tori that she name her bar after her late aunt – a bar that would not only bring people enjoyment but a business that would give back to the community.
“Native to the ‘hood, I wanted to pursue my dream of opening Hazel to establish an element of the whimsical and artistic energy provided by the community of Old South Pearl. I designed Hazel to be a neighborhood bar that will nurture the roots entrenched in South Pearl Street history. I hope to continue to write this history with a place where artists can boost their imaginative spirit.”
While Hazel is an amazing place for art, they separate themselves by being first and foremost a bar that takes great care to create delicious cocktails. Their signature cocktail is, of course, named “The Hazel”, a blend of Leopold Gin, Sloe Gin, Cherry & Lemon. Hazel plans to introduce even more than alcoholic beverages, including unique CBD Oil Cocktails as well as a few options for the sober curious. The bartenders of Hazel celebrate artistic freedom and get to express their own creative skills when making one of their numerous signature drinks. Tori describes the bar as a local watering hole that provides a welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy, network, and create conversation.
The South Pearl Street neighborhood is more than just a business corridor for Tori. She grew up in the South Pearl neighborhood and remembers riding her bike up and down the street as a child. Tori knew South Pearl Street was the perfect place to open a business because of the neighbors who appreciate culture and have a strong sense of community.
“I love witnessing guests get lost in the creative process. I love providing a safe space for people to unwind and relax after a long stressful day. It feels good being a part of South Pearl Street.”
The future for this young business is bright! Soon Hazel will be partnering with Canvas and Cocktails to host classes each month through the end of the year.
