A Talk with The Local's Kenn Bermel Following Return to Beijing
After three long years, Beijing has welcomed back one of its own: Kenn Bermel, owner, and manager of The Local Bar & Grill. Even though he's already hard at work back on the ground at the Sanlitun Courtyard No. 4 establishment, we were able to catch up with Bermel to ask him a few questions about being back in the capital and what's in store for The Local moving forward.
Q
Hey Kenn! How is it to finally be back in Beijing?
A
Amazing and surreal. After being gone for so long – over three years – it started to feel like I’d never get back here. It’s so good to see my friends, my team at The Local, my dog, and my adopted hometown – but I left my life in the US as abruptly as I left Beijing.
Q
Why did you leave Beijing initially and how did you become stranded?
A
I left in January 2020, largely because my family really wanted me back in the US. I resisted at first, but after 20 years of being here, I suppose filial piety convinced me and I went back. I expected to be gone six months at the outset – never expected it would be three-plus years. In March 2020, they suspended my long-term visa. Despite many attempts, I wasn’t able to get back in until now.
You'll be able to find Kenn at The Local on your next visit
Q
What was the biggest difficulty running The Local from abroad?
A
It’s hard to pick one thing, but they are all tied to not being able to do front-of-house and talking to people.
The often unclear, ever-changing, and difficult-to-implement covid rules, as well as supply-chain issues (half our menu had to get cut, goods kept getting more expensive, etc), led to many situations that were pretty frustrating for customers.
I could have made it a lot easier for customers – and for my team – if I’d been here.
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Q
What was the first thing you did once you got back to the capital?
A
Dropped my luggage off at my apartment, then went straight to The Local to catch up with my team. Ended up running into old friends and had a few drinks. I didn’t think I’d have the energy after the long flights I’d been on, but as soon as I saw everyone that changed.
Along with quiz nights and other deals, an After Hours Happy Hour for night owls has been added to The Local's lineup
Q
Now that you're back and Beijing is open again, do you have any big plans for The Local?
A
We do! I’m excited to be able to be the face of The Local again, but we’ll also be making some real changes. First off, some small things – we’re rolling back all the covid-era changes by expanding our hours and menu, and we will start up regular events like trivia night again.
Second of all, we’re going to renovate the bar and replace our patio. The city has become a lot more open to bars and outdoor dining, so we have a bit more freedom to do what we’d like with the place. We love The Local and we’re looking forward to the updates, renovations, and seeing people out again.
The Local Bar & Grill
1/F, 101, Southeast of Zone E, Bldg 80, Courtyard No. 4, Gongti North Road
朝阳区工体北路4号院80号楼E区东南侧第一间101一层
Hours: Daily, 11am-2am
Phone: 6591 9525, 13488804794
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Images: courtesy of Kenn Bermel
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