The Dead Rabbit Playbook: Jack McGarry on Vision, Systems, and Growth
In a recent episode of the Post Shift Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Jack McGarry, co-founder of The Dead Rabbit, a New York City institution that has been consistently ranked as one of the world’s best bars. Jack’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to transforming the hospitality industry—both from a service and business perspective.
From Belfast to New York: Crafting a Legacy
Jack’s story begins in Belfast, where he entered the world of bartending at the age of 14. His early exposure to the industry laid the foundation for a career defined by innovation and excellence. After relocating to New York, Jack and his business partner, Sean Muldoon, opened The Dead Rabbit in 2013. Their vision was clear: create an authentic experience that combined exceptional cocktails with a unique atmosphere. The result? The Dead Rabbit quickly became a game-changer, winning multiple awards, including World's Best Bar in 2016.
Business Strategy: Building a Sustainable Brand
In our conversation, Jack shared valuable insights into the business strategies that helped elevate The Dead Rabbit to global recognition. One of the key takeaways? The importance of maintaining a strong brand identity. For Jack and Sean, every aspect of the bar—from the design to the cocktail menu to the customer service—was intentional and designed to reflect their shared vision of excellence. This consistency not only attracted a loyal customer base but also set The Dead Rabbit apart in a competitive market.
A Turning Point: Embracing Sobriety and Mental Health Advocacy
Despite the accolades, Jack faced personal challenges that led him to reevaluate his life and business approach. After a pivotal life event in 2016, Jack made the decision to pursue sobriety. This personal transformation has had a profound impact on his business philosophy. Jack now actively advocates for mental health and wellness within the hospitality industry, emphasizing the need for self-care and support systems. His journey has led him to become a vocal proponent of providing mental health resources to hospitality professionals, and he’s now deeply involved with Restaurant Recovery, a non-profit organization dedicated to mental health in the industry.
Building a Resilient Business: Balancing Creativity and Sustainability
Jack stressed the importance of building businesses that are not only creative and innovative but also financially sustainable. In hospitality, it's easy to get lost in trends and flashy concepts, but Jack's approach focuses on long-term success. He discussed how staying true to core business principles—such as operational efficiency, consistent quality, and maintaining a dedicated team—has been integral to the success of The Dead Rabbit.
One key point he emphasized is the importance of strong leadership and clear communication, especially in times of crisis. Jack mentioned that during the pandemic, the ability to pivot quickly while maintaining brand integrity was crucial. They leaned into their community by offering virtual experiences and collaborating with other brands, all while staying true to their core mission of delivering exceptional service.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Jack’s focus remains on both the creative and business sides of the industry. He continues to lead The Dead Rabbit with a focus on innovation, ensuring that the bar remains at the forefront of the hospitality scene. But his ambitions don’t stop there. Jack’s involvement with Restaurant Recovery is pushing for widespread mental health support in hospitality, and he’s committed to advocating for better resources and more conversations around mental well-being in the workplace.
For Jack, success is about more than just accolades; it’s about leaving a legacy that helps elevate the industry as a whole.