Rumors Have It
Invites to Rumors’ pop-up events are as unconventional as their parties. Random phone booths, faux newspaper stands, and other oddities reveal the next location of upcoming parties, mixer events, and supper club dinners organized by Mr. X and Mr. Y, the two co-founders who asked that we conceal their true identities.
The playful anonymity may not last long. Rumor’s events are proving to be uber popular. Seated near Heirloom at Archie’s on an unseasonably cool afternoon, I chatted with the duo over immaculately plated sandos and salads about the concept they said was born from boredom.
“There are things about this town that I really love,” Mr. Y said, “but events are periodical, and we found that people are inconsistent about when they show up. We made a list of our party ideas. It snowballed into this moment of realization that if we’re so tired of things not happening, we should do it ourselves.”
The duo are building off the success of February’s Valentine’s Day launch party at Rose Chapel, planning events that will be interactive and centered on pop culture themes and other humorous ideas they jot down. Mr. X described one concept in the works based on a construction site.
“Everyone will have a job to do,” he said. “You arrive at the foreman’s desk. He has a cigar. ‘You look like a plumber,’ he barks. You join five people tightening things. When you finish your job, the foreman signs you off. You take that sheet and are paid in drinks.”
As new folks arrive, workers can whistle and try out their cheesiest catcall, Mr. X said, adding that, to him, “everything about construction is so crass and hilarious.”
The interactive elements will be playful and act as a leveling field to loosen folks up. Rumors’ events are all about socializing, the co-owners said, and the aim is to pry people from cliques so they can meet new like-minded people. This year will feature parties, but the duo has plans for more frequent mixer events and supper clubs featuring local chefs. The idea with the smaller events is to create a core group of Rumors members who can lend their talents to organizing larger events and take an active role in keeping every Rumor party safe.
“We’re not just there to get hammered,” Mr. X said. “You might have some drinks, but it won’t be a pitcher of Budweiser. There’s a performance to take in. We’re inspiring people to tap into a different part of their life. That type of nightlife doesn’t exist at the moment.”
Mr. Y. said part of the challenge of organizing Rumors events is choreographing certain moments while maintaining a sense of spontaneity.
“They are like little theater plays,” he said. “We want to have appearances and performances happen within the party itself. The person by you may be an actor who hits their cue when you are chatting with them. Figuring that all out is part of the challenge.”
Mr. X. and Mr. Y. are admitted superfans of folks who work in the food service industry, and they plan to not only feature the finest eats and drinks at events but to also provide a space for locals to rub elbows with local bartenders and cooks in casual settings like pool hangouts and dinner parties.
If you notice two dapper gents chuckling at their creation at an upcoming Rumors event, take a minute to introduce yourself to Mr. X and Mr. Y. Once you’re that far in, they’ll gladly reveal their names.
“We are here to entertain ourselves,” Mr. X said. “But what entertains us is anything that is genuinely fun and cool. Sometimes it will be funny and totally off the wall, and sometimes it will be beautiful and nice. Every event will be an artistic expression. Both of us have artistic needs. This is an excuse to express that.”
Follow Rumors on Instagram @rumorsparties. Purchase the Panther City Pass — featuring 12 of Fort Worth’s finest bars and restaurants — while supplies last.
