Owners of the Bunker featured on episode of Legacy Makers television series

Television series Legacy Makers stars John Crawford, Candace Crawford and Jereme Berg of the Bunker in an episode airing June 6. Come that day for an episode watch party at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The Bunker Performance Lounge & Café is the setting for a new episode of the American television series Legacy Makers, and co-owners John Crawford, Candace Crawford and Jereme Berg are the stars. The show explores the journey of influential entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders who are shaping the world around us.

It all started last February when the Crawfords were on vacation down to Nashville to explore one of their influences, the famous Bluebird Café. They were on their way back when John saw a casting call on Instagram for Legacy Makers airing on Inside Success TV. After checking it out and thinking it was interesting, there was little Candace could do to stop John from applying as she was driving.

Upon hearing of their application’s success, John’s first thought was immediate.

“Oh no, what have I done? We were surprised but thought it was pretty cool. So that started the conversation. We hopped on a Zoom call with the three of us and had a chat about what it would look like to be on a TV show,” said John Crawford.

The trio thought it would be a good way to get the story of the Bunker out to the community and beyond. Now in it’s third year, second as a licenced establishment, they felt that people may still not be connecting the Bunker as a licenced performing arts lounge and date night destination.

“It seemed like something we shouldn’t pass up because there were over 7,000 people who had applied,” said Candace.

They stood out to the producers as three people from different backgrounds with different experiences who came together with each their own passion to establish a venue that serves the arts community of Stratford.

“We tried to keep a lot of things in mind during the interview, but what we wanted to highlight was the grind. We don’t come from money, we don’t come from success, we’re not moving from business to business. We just started this from scratch and with a lot of blood, sweat and tears we can make this thing work,” said John.

They were eager to share some of the success stories that have come out of the Bunker, like people coming out to open mics and then getting their own show and moving on. Their transition from opening as a café and recording studio and listening to their patrons that they needed a liquor licence was part of the journey that has been meaningful.

They listened again, even since the episode, and picked up a hot kitchen for apps and snacks and have become known for the diversity in programming with writers’ groups, poetry, play readings, comedy and music.

“We’re very malleable, we’re here to suit the needs of the folks that need the space. Being a 30-to-40-person room is a really niche area to be in Stratford,” said John.

The interview process began with a large questionnaire giving the opportunity to share their story. They were unique subjects because there were three of them together which was a first for Legacy Makers which usually features solo business owners, athlete entrepreneurs and the like, generally shining the light on one person and their journey.

“We individually answered each of those questionnaires so that we each felt that we got our own voice in what our journey was like. We put them together and submitted them and then they crafted the story from that,” explained John.

Telling the story and reflecting on the progress has given them the opportunity to an enlightened perspective. “For sure, I think it did affect our perspective of how far we’ve come, reflecting on the beginning and where things are now,” said Jereme. “Watching the episode shows where we come from and our background, so the people know the faces behind the Bunker but also what the Bunker is to educate people more about the space, that the Bunker is a performance space and a bar.”

There are also sponsors to thank: Destination Stratford, Schooley Mitchell, Spottydawg Productions and Brilliant Images Photography and Film.

In celebration of the episode which airs June 6, there will be watch parties for the community to gather and join in with John, Candace and Jereme at the Bunker. The first is at 7 p.m. then 9 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. The episode will also be featured on the website thebunkerstratford.com.