About six weeks ago, the internet in and around Toronto exploded with the opportunity to buy a $150 raffle ticket that could land you your very own bar/restaurant on The Danforth.
Fuelled by everyone’s secret dream to open a bar where everyone knows their name, the contest spread across social media faster than a spilled pint. After all, despite the value of the restaurant ($144,550) being far less than the owner stood to make from selling 4000 tickets ($600,000), it was still a lottery ticket many were happy to buy.
However, for a time, it seemed not to be. Owner Ruthie Cummings issued a Facebook post just a few days after the contest was announced that claimed trouble accepting payments. And we thought it was the last we’d heard of Das Gasthaus.
But everyone loves a good come backstory, and it seems Cummings didn’t just return with a working payment system – she also lawyered up and produced a full set of what appears to be legally binding contest rules.
So hey, the dream is not dead yet. As long as you don’t mind contributing a small amount to Cummings’ retirement, you could soon be naming cocktails after yourself.
After all, making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got; taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot. Wouldn’t you like to get away…
