Dougan’s Rum Shop and Bar – marrying legacy with modernity

It’s been in the family for over a century and many political decisions are said to have had their origins over a few drinks at Dougan’s Rum Shop and Bar, located along the main highway at Calliaqua.

Khari Dougan, the new man at the helm of the business since late 2015, wants the stories of this legacy to be preserved, but he is also striving to inject a level of modernity into its operations.

“I want the people to look at this place as different; still have a Vincy feel, but also have a global feel to it – that you could actually have interesting conversation.

“I want people to have a good time in a nice environment that is also safe for women,” Khari tells SEARCHLIGHT, as he shared the vision for the business.

The Jamaica-born son of a Vincentian father and Jamaican mother has worked and lived in the USA and some countries in Asia and wants to transmit some of the expertise acquired from his background in finance, and diversity lived during college days to achieve an eclectic mix at Dougan’s Rum Shop and Bar.

“Dougan’s has been a pillar of this community for a long time…so the thing was to reinvigorate that, breathe some life into it and let it be again a pillar of the community.”

Referring to the business as “place for social gatherings,” Khari explains that other activities take place on the premises, which help to build bridges between the community’s permanent and temporary residents.

For instance, a health fair is organized every second Saturday, where over 500 people have so far had blood pressure and diabetes tests, breast cancer and vision screening and BMI checks, under the umbrella of the Dr Hughes Dougan Foundation and involving medical students from the Trinity Medical College.

The venue has hosted a wedding, a play and “some pretty big parties,” which are usually open to the public from around 11 p.m.; and there are plans to begin a women’s social club; so Khari sees this as “really an events space” and “a work in progress.”

As he makes improvements to the physical space, Khari is also helping his staff of four to shape a different vision that is strong on customer service excellence.

The atmosphere at Dougan’s Bar is not that of your typical rum shop. Patrons may opt to play pool as they idle over a drink; view television; engage in regular conversation; or enjoy lunch in the back garden.

Following a game of tennis weekday afternoons, a group of mature professionals would stop by for a drink, joined often by others to engage in healthy conversation which could last for hours at the ‘round table’.

Khari sees a new generation learning from the wisdom of these sages, thus helping to maintain the legacy that is part of the charm of the business, even as he strives to achieve a smarter, more progressive and distinctive operation.

“You don’t have to have money to have class,” he remarks.

No doubt, the public recognized this class operation, naming Dougan’s Bar ‘Best Rum Shop’ in the Best of SVG 2017 awards.

Khari describes the award as: “a great honour; people have taken notice of it, but people do say ‘you’re not only a rum shop’, and I say yes, so I hope to win best bar one day, or best club”.

Dougan’s Bar opens at 9.30 a.m. Tuesday – Friday and 10.30 a.m. Saturdays and can be reached at telephone: 532-7962.