Moët Hennessy (part of LVMH) has announced the opening of its first bar. The establishment called Cravan is located on Boulevard Saint-Germain 165 in the sixth arrondissement of Paris. It was inspired by the original Cravan bar in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, opened by cocktail and restaurant expert Frank Audoux.
The new bar features many spirits, including Hennessy cognac, Belvedere vodka, Eminente rum, and Scottish brands Ardberg and Glenmorangie. The partner of Moët Hennessy on creating a new bar in the 17th-century building is Audoux company. According to Philippe Schaus, chairman and CEO of Moët Hennessy, the project has been in development for about two years.
“For some time, we have been thinking about creating a very novel bar concept for different reasons,” he explained. “Moët Hennessy is in the world of bars and a supplier to many bars in the world, but we don’t actually operate one ourselves. It is a way to gain more credibility, knowledge, and a place to test ideas and concepts. We wanted to create a complete experience for consumers.
Schaus also noted that in studying the existing bar, the company decided to take the unique concept to a higher level by opening a new version in downtown Paris. The neighborhood is traditionally a favorite among U.S. and Great Britain tourists. Moët Hennessy expects that with the bar’s opening, they will be able to “interact directly with consumers by offering them new and improved cocktails.
The place draws inspiration fr om art, fashion, literature, and film. It includes three cocktail bars, a bookstore in partnership with New York publisher Rizzoli, a private invite-only atelier, and a mini Parisian kiosk on the top floor, wh ere summer evenings will show movies in “the world’s smallest movie theater.”
Cocktails served at the bar are made with several ingredients, including a portfolio of Moët Hennessy wines and spirits. Prices are set at 15 to 50 euros. According to Schaus, the concept could be tested in other cities worldwide. “We believe this concept will be successful, will be profit-generating on its own because of its attractiveness, location, etc.,” he said. “After that, the sky is the limit. You could imagine having this in another city in the world. Every floor has a slightly different concept, so there’s also the element of being able to provide our hotel partners with a new solution or idea.
