By Kate Bartlett
Raven & Thorn is a cozy, well reviewed cocktail and wine bar located in the former Muldoon’s/Tully’s Pub at 26 Water Street in Fredonia, NY. Known for its craft cocktails, local New York wines, and friendly, welcoming atmosphere, Raven & Thorn blends the art of the cocktail with the bounty of Chautauqua County’s vineyards and breweries.
Decades long friends and co-owners Jennifer (Jenne) Wiskemann and Crystal Parsons met at Queen City Roller Derby in Buffalo. Their lives took them in different directions, literally, with Crystal working for the FBI in Washington DC and Jenne living in Buffalo as a software developer. Four years ago, Jenne moved to Fredonia and quickly appreciated its small-town feel, parks and tight-knit community. Crystal, struggling to get back to WNY decided to retire early and move to Fredonia to be closer to her friend.
ne) Wiskemann and Crystal Parsons.
While looking for property in Fredonia, Crystal stumbled upon the former Muldoon’s property up for sale. “We saw the opportunity to own a business together and decided to go for it,” explains Crystal. “We both have management experience and began researching bartending and the business aspect of owning an establishment.”
The duo divided the responsibilities based on their expertise – Jennifer handles technical related aspects while Crystal takes care of liquor and wine purchasing. Both brainstorm events and menu ideas, constantly looking for ideas to keep the tavern fresh and welcoming to all. The décor is dark academia, a balance of classic English pub with gothic, mysterious aesthetics.
In the upcoming months, events at Raven & Thorn include wine & yoga, game night, ukelele club, trivia night, Bible study, dark romance book club, and a monthly drag show. “We run a variety of activities to attract a diverse crowd,” explains Jenne. “We don’t want to fit into any one niche or cliché; we aim to be welcoming to all.”
The menu is bifurcated with traditional bar options (wings and fries), and a more refined menu that compliments wine selections (charcuterie, whipped brie and sandwiches). Raven & Thorn is the only places in the area that offers Fredonia Devil Wings, based on an 1800s recipe that predates the Buffalo Wing. Crystal describes the Devil Wings as similar to a Buffalo wing, but with a slightly bolder kick and not overly spicy.
Crystal and Jenne took ownership in June of 2025 and opened on August 20th of the same year. “We’ve learned a lot in this first (almost) year of business,” says Jenne. “We’ve been warmly welcomed by the community and we’re proud to be a part of it. Everyone is willing to lend a hand, fostering collaborative, supportive energy throughout the community. It’s not competitive, other businesses’ owners go out of their way to help, and we return the favor. If one succeeds, we all succeed.”
Looking to attract more local clientele and become ‘the place’ for people to relax and gather in the community. “We strive to curate a comfortable, inviting atmosphere where everyone feels welcome,” explains Crystal. “We hope our wide range of events continue to attract a diverse crowd and exemplify our inclusivity.”
Crystal and Jenne enjoy being in business together and being a part of the Fredonia businesswomen community. They both believe to be a successful woman in business you have to balance risk and knowledge, jump in, and listen to the experts but also have confidence to follow your own path.
In the coming months, Raven & Thorn will continue to feature local wines but will also begin to regularly feature a rotating imported wine. “It’s a great opportunity to try a wine that is not readily available in our area,” explains Crystal. “We love our local flavors, but we want to continue to offer unique experiences for our guests including a diverse array of flavors.” They will also be hosting a silent auction on May 27th with the opportunity to bid on a private wine tasting party.
For more information visit RavenandThorn.com and follow on social media @ Raven & Thorn.