Thirsty First
Meet Chrissy and Deedee, the dynamic duo behind Thirsty First. Their journey began in 2012 at Slapshot Pub in Chelmsford, Massachusetts—a beloved hockey bar where they first made their mark. When the building’s owner relocated to California, leaving the future uncertain, they had to pivot quickly. Knowing the clock was ticking, they explored new locations even before the move was finalized.
Chrissy and Deedee’s story is as much about serendipity as it is about business. Deedee, an experienced bar manager, hired Chrissy when she was working at a bar in Billerica. Their shared passion for bartending laid the foundation for a strong partnership. With a combined 50 years in the restaurant and bar industry, including Chrissy’s transition from preschool teacher to bartender, they set out to create something special together.
Their search for a new home led them to Central Street in Lowell, where they initially planned to name the venue Mill City Pub. However, after researching Lowell’s history, they discovered the phrase “Thirsty First,” coined locally the day before Prohibition began in 1919. As a Lowell native, Chrissy felt a strong connection to this piece of lore, and the name stuck. They soon transformed the Central Street space into the vibrant Thirsty First, a venue beloved for years.
At the Central Street location, Thirsty First embraced the local music scene, with Chrissy’s husband, Derek, adding a touch of Boston’s culture to the lineup. Recognizing their perfect space to give back to the community, they hosted numerous fundraising events supporting vital causes, such as mental health awareness and back-to-school initiatives. For years, Thirsty First became a gathering place where people from all walks of life could come together and connect.
In 2021, as they were recovering from COVID-19 challenges, the Central Street location faced an unexpected setback, forcing them to relocate again. Refusing to give up, Chrissy and Deedee began searching for a new home in early 2023, with help from the Entrepreneurship Center and the Lowell Development & Financial Corporation. This led them to Market Street, where they reimagined Thirsty First with a modern look while preserving the spirit of their original establishment, including a wall of memories from their Central Street days.
Since relocating to Market Street, Thirsty First has continued to foster community spirit. They’ve hosted shows, paint nights, and fundraisers that reflect the vibrant atmosphere they cultivated before, and to everyone’s delight, they’ve brought back their infamous grilled cheeses and delicious pizzas—staples from the Central Street days.
After two years, they are thrilled to host one of their standout events back in their new location: Punktoberfest! Returning for its 5th annual celebration on October 19th from 2 PM to midnight, this year features 12 bands and 5 breweries. Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/5thannualPunktoberfest.
Through all their challenges, Chrissy and Deedee have remained dedicated to their passion and the community they’ve cultivated. Now, they’re bringing new life to downtown Lowell’s Market Street! Whether you’re in the mood for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Thirsty First has you covered. Catch your favorite sports team during the week, enjoy a refreshing draft beer, or laugh it up at a comedy show. No matter when you visit, there’s always something great happening.
Want to pay them a visit? Head over to 103 Market Street in Lowell, MA, and be sure to keep up with all their events and happenings on Facebook by searching Thirsty First Tavern, or follow them on Instagram @ThirstyFirstLowell.
