Crafty new bar comes to Deep Ellum

  • 2019-09-03
Adult beverages and crafts will come together at Upstairs Circus’s first Dallas location, which is opening in Deep Ellum.

The Denver-based enterprises joins Painting with a Twist and Pinot’s Palette, both of which similar concepts, but whereas those two enterprises limit themselves to painting, Upstairs Circus includes jewelry making, leather crafts, and woodworking.

Founded by Matt and Kelly Johannsen, the inaugural Upstairs Circus opened in 2013 in Denver. In 2017, the couple expanded beyond Denver and opened a location in Minneapolis.

The Johannsens opened their first Texas location in 2018 in Austin. A company representative has confirmed Dallas as the next location stating that will not be a franchise, but will instead be a true owner location.

Friends come together to take part in these crafts while enjoying beer wine or cocktails and listening to hip music. Traditional-style classes are not held at Upstairs Circus; instead customers attend “socials”, which are events where people come to engage in craft projects and socialize with their friends.

Word of mouth provides a valuable means of promotion in cases like this, but flyer printing is more dependable and can target specific areas.

Craft projects could include leather koozies, bracelets, pet collars, wallets, keychains, decorative coasters, serving trays, butcher boards and stamped charms. Additionally, there are Dallas-themed DIY projects and Deep Ellum-inspired drinks.

Upstairs Circus is presently working at obtaining a mixed beverage permit from Texas and seeking City Hall permits, and hopes to be operational by November at 2810 Main Street.