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March 1, 2022by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Stand Out with Weird Holidays: March 2022

Stand Out with Weird Holidays: March 2022

by David Klemt

Want to stand out from from other restaurants and bars in your area? Then commit to keeping it weird.

Several “holidays” are set against every date on the calendar, and March is no exception. These holidays range from mainstream—it’s almost St. Patrick’s Day!—to “weird.”

Pay attention to the latter to raise eyebrows, carve out a niche for your restaurant or bar, and attract more guests. Why do what everyone else is already doing?

Of course, you shouldn’t try to celebrate every holiday, weird or otherwise. And this month’s list in no way includes every odd holiday.

Focus on the days that are authentic to your brand; resonate with your guests; and help you grab attention on social media.

For last month’s list, click here.

March 2: National Old Stuff Day

There are a couple of ways to celebrate this holiday. Both require a bit of tact. On the one hand, you could showcase your big age-statement spirits. But on the other, you could lean into this holiday and try to move dead-stock spirits.

March 3: National Cold Cuts Day

People like to joke that packaged cold cuts and cheese singles make for a more “basic” form of charcuterie. This could be a great day to steer into that joke and build a simple, fun, and affordable charcuterie plate.

March 5: Cinco de Marcho

Now, we don’t support overserving. It’s not safe, it’s not responsible, and it can result in severe legal ramifications for operators and their teams. That said, Cinco de Marcho occurs just shy of two weeks before St. Patrick’s Day. The point behind the holiday is to get ready for St. Patrick’s Day. So, it could be a good idea to highlight your Irish whiskeys, gins, and beers in the lead-up to St. Patrick’s Day to leverage the interest in them for longer.

March 14: National Potato Chip Day

I really shouldn’t have to tell you what to do on this day. If you have the ability, show off your house-made potato chips. Other than that, if you sell chips by the bag, build a drink-and-chip LTO around them.

March 15: National Everything You Think is Wrong Day

Whew! That’s a bold statement, one that’s sure to get some blood boiling and arguments started. This probably isn’t the time to talk politics with guests. If you’re bold enough to tackle this holiday, maybe create a trivia night around the facts that most people tend to get wrong about different spirits, beers, and wines.

March 18: National Awkward Moments Day

Life is full of awkward moments. You probably witness quite a few each week within your four walls. For this holiday, encourage people in your area to treat themselves to a good meal and/or drink to try and forget their latest awkward moments.

March 22: (Inter)National Goof Off Day

It’s unfortunate that simply trying to have a good time is considered “goofing off.” But, that’s where we are, apparently. This is the perfect holiday to encourage your guests to enjoy an afternoon, evening or night at your place to escape their stressful lives, if only for an hour or two.

March 25: Waffle Day

You may be surprised to learn the sheer number of foods you can waffle. Well, this is the holiday for you and your kitchen team to build a specialty waffle menu to blow your guests minds. Interestingly, this is the day Sweden celebrates Waffle Day. So, if you can’t do it this year or simply want to repeat it, National Waffle Day is celebrated August 24.

March 28: National Something on a Stick Day

You can waffle a lot of foods but I’m willing to bet you can put way more foods on a stick. I smell an LTO menu…

March 31: National Tater Day

Roasted, fried, air fried, mashed, smashed, baked, twice baked, riced, totted (I dunno, I’m hungry writing this and want tater tots)… Celebrate everything a potato can do on this holiday dedicated to the humble spud.

Image: Dan Parlante on Unsplash

Ukraine flag flying against blue sky, perspective shot

February 27, 2022by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

How Operators Can Support Ukraine

How Operators Can Support Ukraine

by David Klemt

It’s normal to feel like there’s not much we can do as we watch in horror as Russia invades Ukraine, but there are ways to show support.

NATO alliance countries are struggling in their responses to Russia. A country with thousands of nuclear arms invaded a sovereign nation without such weapons. The response from NATO nations must be measured and de-escalate, not provoke. Consider that Russia seemingly threatened Sweden and Finland, and put its nuclear deterrence forces on “high alert.”

So, it’s understandable that the rest of us aren’t sure how much of a difference we can make.

However, restaurants, bars, hotels, and other hospitality businesses do have the power to help.

Zirkova Vodka

John and Katherine Vellinga founded Zirkova Vodka around 2016. Initially, the brand was named Slava Vodka.

The Vellingas are Canadians. However, they consider Ukraine their home country. In fact, the two worked in Ukraine for about five years.

During their time in Ukraine, the two worked with brewers and winemakers. Over the course of those five years, John and Katherine decided to create an ultra-premium Ukrainian vodka.

It’s important to note, however, that Zirkova’s mission isn’t simply to create world-class vodka. You can read their full mission statement here.

In part, the brand’s mission statement reads: “Built in the DNA of the brand is a deep-rooted belief in the goodness of humanity, an abiding commitment to freedom and human rights for all.”

Zirkova’s foundation One+Together has raised money for human rights and humanitarian throughout Canada, Ukraine, and New York City.

Now, the brand is donating 100 percent of profits generated from sales of Zirkova at the LCBO to Ukrainian humanitarian funds.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ZIRKOVA VODKA (@zirkovavodka)

It should also be noted that the province of British Columbia has banned the sale and import of Russian liquor products.

Donations

On the topic of donations, operators can support a number of charities that focus on helping the people of Ukraine.

For example, World Central Kitchen. WCK has already mobilized, setting up in Poland to help Ukrainians who have had to flea their homes.

The non-profit organization also has a relief team on the way to Romania as well. Donations to WCK can be made via this link.

If you have a question about the legitimacy of a charity, look it up on a site like Charity Navigator. Unfortunately, bad actors (scumbags) latch onto crises to scam people out of their money.

Rejecting Russian Vodka

Some restaurants and bars are making more assertive statements via the products they’re now willing to sell…or no longer sell.

There are restaurants and bars emptying their inventories of Russian vodkas by dumping them out.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Eric Gladstone (@ecgladstone)

The above post is just one example of operators, restaurant workers, and bar teams taking a stand.

In addition, there are operators seeking to add Ukrainian products to their menus. Will these businesses ever carry Russian products again? It’s far too early to tell, of course.

Individual operators will have to decide if refusing to sell Russian products is the right decision for them. If they choose that path, they’ll need to decide if doing so quietly or publicly is the best approach.

In simplistic terms, too many politicians and leaders are beholden to corporate money and influence. Realistically, as regards Putin, the opposite seems true.

Still, impacting the bottom lines of Russian companies, millionaires and billionaires may have some impact on Putin, though that’s unlikely to lead to peace any time soon.

Interestingly, reports indicate that at least two Russian billionaires have called for peace in Ukraine.

Safe Communities

It’s alarmingly easy for strong emotions to drive just about anyone to make harmful decisions. Fear, sorrow, frustration, and anger are powerful.

We must all remember something incredibly important: The Russian people are not to blame for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

One person—along with his inner circle of sycophants and enablers—is to blame: Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Feeling powerless to help the Ukrainian people can lead to feelings of anger. It’s crucial that we not allow violence or harassment of Russian people in our communities.

We can support Ukraine without harming Russian people. Restaurants and bars are pillars of their communities, and keeping people safe is non-negotiable.

Some of us may react to feelings of anger, fear, and frustration by lashing out. We can’t let that lead to violence in our streets.

Do not tolerate harassment or violence in or around your business, and make it clear your business is safe for all guests. The last thing we need now is more divisiveness, harm or fear.

Image: Daria Volkova on Unsplash

Durham Distillery Navy Strength Gin in a snowbank

February 25, 2022by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Durham Distillery’s Pandemic Pivot

Durham Distillery’s Pandemic Pivot

by David Klemt

Distillers throughout the world are experiencing supply chain issues affecting their ability to produce and bottle their spirits.

One particular issue impacting distillers—and therefore the businesses that sell their products—is a glass bottle shortage.

Obviously, bottles are every bit as important to a brand as the liquid inside. We would all likely ace a quiz calling for us to match bottle silhouettes and brands.

Of course, other issues are also confounding producers, and the restaurants and bars that rely on them.

Labor challenges throughout the world reduced spirit, beer, and wine production. Using a particular spirit as an example, an agave shortage is impacting tequila.

However, consumption hasn’t slowed. Therefore, many distillers, brewers, and winemakers find themselves unable to meet demand.

The situation is dire enough for some retailers and even entire municipalities to ration certain products.

Pandemic Pivot

A distillery in North Carolina is turning a necessary pivot (everyone’s favorite pandemic word) into a limited-edition run for two of their products.

Durham Distillery, located in Durham, NC, produces CONNIPTION Gin. There are two core expressions, both crafted using traditional methods but with a modern approach.

CONNIPTION Gin American Dry is, of course, crafted with juniper berries. However, there’s also Angelica root, cardamom, cucumber, honeysuckle, Indian coriander, and orange peel.

Durham’s Navy Strength expression of CONNIPTION is crafted with bay leaf, caraway, cardamom, fig, Indian coriander, juniper berries, lemon, and rosemary.

Fans of these gins, along with craft spirit aficionados, are familiar with CONNIPTION’s signature bottle shape: American Dry and Navy Strength use rectangular bottles (see image above).

Faced with either slowing production due to an inability to obtain signature bottles or using a more readily available bottle, Durham Distillery chose the latter.

“Given the global supply chain issues so many of our friends and colleagues here in North Carolina and beyond are currently facing, we knew we had two options: give in or lean in and make the best of the situation while keeping our focus on continuing to deliver our award-winning gin to our amazing, loyal customers throughout the state,” says Durham Distillery co-founder and CEO Melissa Katrincic. “The supply chain had an actual conniption and we’re pleased we could be nimble to pivot to solve for our needs.”

Like Durham’s Cold Distilled Cucumber Vodka, both CONNIPTION expressions are available in a cylindrical bottle. Of course, this is only for a limited time.

In fact, the labels on the round bottles read, “same delicious gin but round,” “NC Exclusive Pandemic Pivot,” and, “Temporary Due to Glass Shortage.”

This particular pandemic pivot is deceptively simple. Altering packaging may seem like no big deal but it’s a gamble for established brands.

In the case of Durham’s CONNIPTION, this pivot seems like a fun and engaging win.

Image: Hayes Potter on Unsplash

Código 1530 Tequila Rosa Blasberry Margarita

February 18, 2022by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

5 Premium Recipes for Margarita Day

5 Premium Recipes for National Margarita Day

by David Klemt

National Margarita Day is just around the corner and our friends at Código 1530 Tequila sent us five recipes for your cocktail menu.

For years, the Margarita has reigned supreme, steadily claiming the number-one spot on most-popular cocktail lists around the world. While this cocktail is now seeing its grip on the crown loosened by the Negroni and Old Fashioned, it’s hard to ignore the lure of a well-made Marg.

That’s even more true when its made with incredible tequila.

Each delicious, refreshing recipe below is made with super-premium Código 1530 Blanco or Rosa. However, you and your bar team should certainly experiment with other expressions in the range.

Considering the quality of Código 1530, operators can boost revenue by charging a premium for these magnificent Margs.

To learn more about Código 1530 Tequila and the creator of these recipes, company mixologist Collin De Laval, check out Bar Hacks episode 57.

Blanco Margarita

2 oz. Código 1530 Blanco Tequila
1 oz. Triple sec
1.5 oz. Lemon juice (freshly squeezed, preferably)
0.5 oz. Agave nectar
Lime wedge or wheel for garnish

Prepare a rocks glass by rimming it with salt. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake, pour into the prepared rocks glass with ice, and garnish with a lime.

Cucumber Mint Margarita

1.5 oz. Código 1530 Blanco Tequila
1 oz. Cucumber juice (freshly pressed, preferably)
1 oz. Lemon juice (freshly squeezed, preferably)
0.25 oz. Agave nectar
Mint leaves, some to garnish
Salt and Tajín (50/50 mixture for rim)
Cucumber ribbons to garnish
Lemon wheel to garnish

To build, prepare a glass by rimming with lemon and rolling in salt and Tajín mixture and adding crushed ice. Add Código 1530 Blanco, cucumber and lemon juices, agave nectar, and mint leaves to a shaker with ice. Shake, strain into prepared glass, and garnish with cucumber ribbons, lemon wheel, and mint leaves.

Rosa Blasberry Margarita

2 oz. Código 1530 Rosa Tequila
1.5 oz. Lime juice (freshly squeezed, preferably)
0.5 oz. Agave nectar
Handful of raspberries, some to garnish
Handful of blueberries, some to garnish
Soda water to top

Add berries and lime juice to shaker, and muddle. Next, fill shaker with ice and add Código 1530 Rosa and agave nectar. Shake, strain, and garnish with berries.

Rosa Skinny Margarita with Lavender

2 oz. Código 1530 Rosa Tequila
1 oz. Lime juice (freshly pressed, preferably)
1 oz. Agave nectar
Lime wedge or wheel to garnish
Lavender to garnish (optional)

For this simple but refreshing Margarita, add the first three ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake, strain, and garnish with lime wedge or wheel and lavender.

Watermelon Mint Margarita

2 oz. Código 1530 Rosa Tequila
3 oz. Pressed watermelon juice (freshly pressed, preferably)
0.75 oz. Lime juice (freshly squeezed, preferably)
0.25 oz. Agave nectar
Watermelon slices to garnish

Fill a shaker with ice and add Código 1530 Rosa, juices, and nectar. Shake for 30 seconds, pour into glass, and garnish with watermelon slices.

Images: Código 1530 Tequila

A shot of tequila served with salt shaker and lime wedge

February 16, 2022by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Yes, Some Tequilas Have Additives

Yes, Some Tequilas Have Additives

by David Klemt

The subject of additives in tequila—and lack of transparency on labels—isn’t new but recent social media posts are shining a light on the topic.

In particular, there are posts circulating about tequila producers using vanilla flavoring. Doing so, it turns out, is well within the Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) rules.

However, revealing it on labels? With some caveats, it’s also well within the rules not to mention additives.

Understandably, people want to know what they’re putting in their bodies. Increasingly, this has grown to include alcohol.

So, there are bar owners, bar managers, bartenders, and bar guests who want to avoid serving and consuming additives whenever possible. Of course, there are also guests out there who don’t care about additives in the spirits they drink.

Interestingly, though, there’s a collective of tequila distilleries committed to producing clean spirits. They have no interest in using additives.

Chris Wirth alludes to these producers on episode 66 of the Bar Hacks podcast. He and wife Camila Soriano produce world-first clean tequila seltzer Volley.

Are There Additives in Tequila?

First, let’s be clear: Several categories of spirit permit the use of additives. Labeling transparency falls under the jurisdiction of different governing bodies.

So, it’s not like the use of additives is a scandal or exclusive to tequila. And, again, some consumers and hospitality professionals care, some don’t.

Additives become a problem when producers who use additives choose language on their labels and in marketing that suggest otherwise.

You see, tequila producers aren’t required to include additives on their labels if they don’t exceed one percent of total volume. NOM permits the use of glycerin, caramel coloring, “sugar-based” syrups, and oak extract in all tequilas except blanco.

However, there appears to be a loophole in NOM rules showing the use of additives in blancos is indeed permitted.

For those who don’t want to consume tequilas that use additives, brands that claim to be additive-free in their labeling and marketing present a problem. That’s because at best they’re just following the rules, but at worst they’re using the rules to be deceptive.

Why Does this Matter?

According to some in the industry, tequila may just kick vodka off its throne this year. In America, anyway.

Undeniably, that indicates increased consumer focus on tequila. It follows that a number of restaurant, bar, and nightclub guests will come across the topic of additives.

Some will want to know which brands are additive-free. This is where this topic should matter to operators and their bar teams: Guests don’t want to hear, “I don’t know.”

Luckily, there’s a resource out there that will help: Tequila Matchmaker. Hit that link, click the “Types” tab, and select “– Additive Free” from the dropdown.

As of this writing, you’ll find 266 bottles of additive-free tequila. Some of the brands you’ll find on this page are Código 1530, Tanteo, Fortaleza, El Tesoro, ArteNOM, Tears of Llorona, and Patrón.

Once more, this isn’t a scandal. Rather, this is an opportunity for operators to ensure they have some tequilas on their menu that are additive-free.

It’s likely the topic will come up and being prepared with a few recommendations will improve the guest experience.

Image: Francisco Galarza on Unsplash

Brown Wilson football on a football field

February 14, 2022by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Booze Brands Spent Buckets on Big Game

Booze Brands Spent Buckets on Big Game

by David Klemt

Super Bowl LVI commanded ad prices of $7 million for just 30 seconds, and several brands scrambled to snap up these record-setting spots up.

But before we get into some of the brands that purchased ads, congratulations to the Los Angeles! And condolences to Cincinnati Bengals fans—that was a heartbreaker.

Personally, I had no skin in the game. However, I was eleven years old when the Bengals last made it to the Big Game in 1989. I wanted to see them win last night.

Speaking of the Big Game, a 30-second ad spot reportedly cost $675,000 during the 23rd championship. In today’s money, that would be $1,530,442.

So, who in the beverage alcohol world splashed out $7 million for ads during the Big Game yesterday? And why do we still have to play this name game when referring to “that” game?

More importantly, what does it matter to you who spent so much on commercials on Sunday? Well, with so many eyes glued to TVs yesterday, it stands to reason that some consumers will be influenced to seek out brands and new products.

In other words, you may find that guests are ordering or asking if you carry certain products. For example, the products below.

Budweiser

Would it be a…Big Game…without a Budweiser commercial? Technically, yes. But I think we all know it would feel weird.

Yesterday’s spot was sparse when it comes to beer. However, it featured a horse and dog best friend duo, and that’s just as good as beer. Perhaps it’s even better, because dogs are dogs and horses are huge dogs.

Bud Light Hard Seltzer Soda

When Guy Fieri shows up you can bet whatever he’s endorsing is big on flavor. So, since the Mayor of Flavortown (who I’m now crowning Lord of the Land of Loud Flavors) showed up in yesterday’s Bud Light Hard Seltzer Soda, operators should count on some guests asking for these five-percent ABV RTDs.

Bud Light NEXT

Oh, you thought Hard Seltzer Soda was Bud Light’s big reveal? Nope!

The brand purchased two spots and one revealed Bud Light NEXT, the brand’s new zero-carb beer. The compelling ad asks people to consider the benefits of eschewing norms

Busch Light

Ya gotta love a brand that leans into having fun in their marketing. Busch Light knows who they are as a brand and, more just as importantly, knows their audience.

I’m not gonna lie, their ad made me want to kick back, pop a top, and listen to the soothing sounds of Kenny G. Outdoors. By a river. At the foot of a mountain.

Cutwater Spirits

People love the “Here’s to the crazy ones” quote from Steve Jobs. Well, Cutwater Spirits is raising a can to the lazy ones.

Just watch it below, trust me. Of the alcohol commercials, this was my favorite.

Michelob Ultra

The sheer number of celebrity athletes that showed up in Michelob Ultra‘s ad spot was breathtaking. Just as impressive is the fact that their spot came in at one minute. So, Michelob likely spent $14 million on their ad.

Of course, as a The Big Lebowski fan, the biggest feature for me was Steve Buscemi’s appearance in a bowling alley. Donny lives!

Samuel Adams

Well, your cousin from Boston got a security gig at Boston Dynamics. In Samuel Adams’ “Your Cousin from Boston (Dynamics)” spot, your cousin introduces the robots to the new Wicked IPA Party Pack. Whaddya wanna bet shenanigans ensue?

There are four beers in the pack: Wicked Hazy, Wicked Easy, Wicked Double, and the brand-new Wicked Tropical.

Image: Dave Adamson on Unsplash

Two blue medical face masks on a white background

February 11, 2022by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

States Rescinding Mask Mandates

States Rescinding Mask Mandates

by David Klemt

In welcome news, it seems that this is the week that mask mandates in several states throughout America are falling, with a few caveats.

The governors of several states are announcing they’re rescinding the mandates. However, masks must still be worn in some locations.

In some cases, these mandates will expire next week or later. But in others, Nevada, for example, the governor’s announcement was effective immediately.

Regardless, below you’ll find the states that are doing away with mask mandates.

One important note, schools and care facilities tend to be governed by separate indoor mask mandates than private businesses, cultural centers, and other venues.

California

The Golden State is ending the indoor mask requirement for the vaccinated, effective Tuesday, February 15. Also, unvaccinated people will be required to wear masks indoors in public areas.

However, it’s rumored that Los Angeles and other counties may choose to keep current mandates in place past next week.

Connecticut

“I think now we’re at a different place, I think the numbers say we’re at a different place, and I think the people of Connecticut have earned it,” said Governor Ned Lamont yesterday.

Of particular note, the Constitution State’s mask mandate is set to expire on February 28.

Delaware

On Monday, Governor John Carney signed an order that lifts Delaware’s “universal indoor mask mandate” today. Masks are no longer required in restaurants, bars, and other public spaces.

Illinois

Should Governor JB Pritzker’s plan move ahead smoothly, the Prairie State’s indoor mask mandate will be lifted at the end of this month. However, businesses and local authorities can still require masks indoors.

Schools in Illinois, as they are in other states, fall under a separate indoor mask mandate. Therefore, until otherwise addressed, masks will still be required to be worn inside schools.

Nevada

Regardless of vaccination status, the Silver State’s indoor mask mandate is lifted. Governor Steve Sisolak made the announcement yesterday, effective immediately.

As with other states, businesses may still ask patrons to wear masks when indoors in their venues.

New York

In New York City, restaurant operators must still ask for proof of vaccination. However, if a hotel property allows masks to come off in lobbies, that is permitted. Unvaccinated people can follow the same mask guidance as vaccinated people—if a business allows it.

Now, in New York State, masks are no longer required to dine indoors unless the business or local authorities say otherwise.

New Jersey

To be clear, the Garden State’s mask news pertains mostly to schools. This is because New Jersey didn’t impose mask requirements for restaurants and other indoor venues during the outbreak of Omicron.

Oregon

Now, when it comes to the Beaver State, things are moving a bit more slowly regarding indoor mask mandates. As it stands now, Oregon’s indoor mask mandate will expire “by March 31.” When the mandate is lifted, businesses will be free to set their own mask policies.

However, the mandate may be rescinded earlier than March 31 if Covid-19 hospitalizations drop to 400 or less occupied beds.

Rhode Island

Like Delaware, Rhode Island’s indoor mask mandate ends today. Until today, the Ocean State had a requirement to either show proof of vaccination or wear a mask when indoors.

Image: Jeremy Bezanger on Unsplash

February 2, 2022by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

5 Books to Read this Month: February ’22

5 Books to Read this Month: February ’22

by David Klemt

This month’s fun and informative book selections will help you develop next-level culinary, beverage and leadership skills throughout 2022.

To review January’s book recommendations, click here.

Let’s jump in!

Greenlights

Published originally in 2020, Matthew McConaughey’s Greenlights is already experiencing a resurgence. McConaughey has been writing in diaries for decades and sat down with them to write this memoir that shares lessons he’s learned, stories about what he has experienced over the course of more than 40 years, and more. In his own words, Greenlights addresses how to be fair, have less stress, have fun, hurt people less, get hurt less, be a good person, have meaning in life, and how to be more yourself.

“It’s also a guide to catching more greenlights—and to realizing that the yellows and reds eventually turn green too.”

Setting the Table

Danny Meyer’s modern classic Setting the Table was published nearly 15 years ago. It’s an award-winning masterpiece and considered by some to be the best restaurant business book ever written. On episode 64 of the Bar Hacks podcast, CEO and Master Blender Neil grosscup of Tanteo Tequila mentions this book. So, I decided it was time to revisit Setting the Table and encourage those who haven’t yet to read it.

The New Craft of the Cocktail: Everything You Need to Know to Think Like a Master Mixologist

Dale DeGroff, for those who don’t know, is credited with kicking off the modern cocktail craze. He’s a legend, an icon, and an ambassador for bartenders and the hospitality industry. Released toward the end of last year, The New Craft of the Cocktail is an update of DeGroff’s 2002 book The Craft of the Cocktail. Inside are new photographs, updates to the history of the cocktail, and 100 new drink recipes.

The Unofficial Disney Parks Drink Recipe Book

Look, it has been an overwhelming two years. And we’re still in that overwhelming situation. That is to say, we can all use a smile wherever we can get it. That goes for drink menus, too. Enter, The Unofficial Disney Parks Drink Recipe Book. It may be unofficial but the recipes are fantastic, offering whimsy, nostalgia, and wow factor. There are over 100 recipes in this best-selling book, including cocktails and zero-proof drinks.

The Velocity Mindset

If you want to become a better leader, you need to change your mindset. That may sound drastic but developing simple habits like visualizing a specific outcome can improve your leadership skills. The Velocity Mindset shares Ron Karr’s “innovative and practical strategies to differentiate yourself from the competition, increase your profits, and get to the next level of success, faster.”

Image: Mikołaj on Unsplash

December 3, 2021by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

5 Books to Read this Month: December

5 Books to Read this Month: December

by David Klemt

Flipping through an open book

This month’s fun and informative book selections will help you develop next-level culinary, beverage and leadership skills this December.

To review November’s book recommendations, click here.

Let’s dive in!

Can I Mix You a Drink?

Superstar T-Pain partners with mixologist Maxwell Britten, formerly the bar director for James Beard Award winner Maison Premier. The fifty recipes in Can I Mix You a Drink? match up with a lyric or sentiment from T-Pain songs. There are amusing and insightful anecdotes from T-Pain, and the high-end, glossy photography in the book match the high-end recipes. Overall, this book is a vibe, much like a great cocktail bar.

The Oxford Companion to Spirits & Cocktails

David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum team up for likely the deepest dive into the role alcohol plays in human history. The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails is everything you ever wanted to know about fermentation, distillation, aging, cocktails, cocktail bars, and more. In addition to global techniques and processes, readers will be treated to illustrations, a guide to making drinks, and even a timeline of distillation and spirits.

The Alchemist Cocktail Book: Master the Dark Arts of Mixology

When one thinks of chains, they tend to think of global fast-food and fast-casual brands. However, The Alchemist stands in stark contrast to that thinking. The Alchemist is a chain of stunning, experimental cocktail “theaters.” These cocktail bar and restaurant venues elevate the cocktail to new heights, paying just as much attention to experiential and atmosphere details as drink build details. The Alchemist Cocktail Book shares 100 original Alchemist recipes, including low- and no-alcohol drinks.

Market Fresh Mixology Presents Life, Love, Happiness & Cocktails

If you’ve ever wondered what inspired someone when they were creating a now-famous cocktail, this is the book you want. Not only does mixologist Bridget Albert, senior national director of education for Beam Suntory and founder of the Academy of Spirits and Fine Service, tell the stories behind 40 cocktail recipes, she invites others to join her. Life, Love, Happiness & Cocktails features Tony Abou-Ganim, Julie Reiner, and more telling the personal stories behind their recipes.

Hacking the New Normal

Are you ready to take your restaurant, bar, lounge, hotel or resort from concept to reality in 2022? Treat yourself this holiday season to a gift that will help you achieve your goal and dream of operating a successful hospitality venue. Do you know someone who has been talking about opening a restaurant, bar or hotel but hasn’t made their move yet? Hacking the New Normal is the perfect gift for them this holiday season.

Image: Mikołaj on Unsplash

December 1, 2021by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Stand Out with Weird Holidays: December

Stand Out with Weird Holidays: December

by David Klemt

Want to stand out from from other restaurants and bars in your area? Then commit to keeping it weird.

Several “holidays” are set against every date on the calendar, and December is no exception. These holidays range from mainstream—Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving, anyone?—to food-centric to weird.

Pay attention to the latter to raise eyebrows, carve out a niche for your restaurant or bar, and attract more guests. Why do what everyone else is already doing?

Of course, you shouldn’t try to celebrate every holiday, weird or otherwise. And this month’s list in no way includes every odd holiday.

Focus on the days that are authentic to your brand; resonate with your guests; and help you grab attention on social media.

For November’s list, click here.

December 4: National Dice Day

I’m not including this holiday simply because I live in Las Vegas. Dice are for far more than just craps. Board games, role-playing games, making life decisions in a very strange manner… We need dice and they deserve a day of celebration.

One of the simplest ways to celebrate National Dice Day with your guests is to create a small beer, wine, spirits and/or cocktail menu. Then, put numbers against each offering and have guests roll the dice. Whatever number comes up, they’re getting the correlating drink. Easy.

December 5: Bathtub Party Day

Okay, let me be clear. I’m not encouraging events that involve people coming to your restaurant or bar to party in bathtubs. Rather, I’m suggesting celebrating Repeal Day (these holidays share the same date) with a cheeky nod to homemade booze made infamous during Prohibition.

Of course, you should absolutely not celebrate Bathtub Party Day by offering illicit alcohol. Instead, feature an array of gins and gin-based cocktails. You can also feature a brand like Ole Smoky Moonshine.

December 8: Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day

This is a list of weird holidays, so how could I possibly pass up this gem? If you think one day of dress-up and pretending isn’t enough (looking at you, Halloween), here’s a very specific holiday just for you. Just make sure you prepare your front-of-house staff because wow—this could get weird (read: annoying).

You can also get a little more creative and put together a tasting for a spirit or brand with a history that spans several decades or centuries.

December 9: Weary Willie Day

Hey—get your mind out of the gutter. This is another holiday that there was no way I could ignore. Weary Willie Day is a celebration of clowns. In particular, it celebrates a character created by Emmett Kelly, Weary Willie. Why do we celebrate this unique holiday on this specific date? Emmett Kelly was born on December 9, 1898.

If you’ve got a plug, this is a fantastic holiday to feature Clown Shoes beers, distributed via Mass Bay Brewing Co.

December 11: National Noodle Ring Day

What? You don’t know what a noodle ring is? Well, neither did I until very recently. If you have a kitchen and, more importantly, a kitchen staff that loves to experiment and make new items, this is an awesome holiday.

A noodle ring is essentially what it sounds like. Noodle rings tend to be savory bites inspired by pasta dishes. Set noodles and other ingredients in a mold, bake, finish, and serve. Perfect for guests who want to try something new. And comforting on a winter’s day.

December 12: National Ding-a-Ling Day

This holiday isn’t about hurling a pretty innocuous insult at people. Yeah, sorry to burst your bubble. Instead, this day is all about reconnecting with people. The idea is to give someone a ring and rekindle that relationship. Now, I’m not telling anyone what to do…but please don’t use this holiday to annoy your ex. Please. Don’t do.

Anyway, you know where’s a great place to meet up after reconnecting? A restaurant or bar, of course! So, encourage people who have reconnected with someone during the holiday season to meet up at your venue.

December 13: Green Monday

Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Yes, those are the two busiest shopping days of the year. Do you know the third? It’s Green Monday, which takes place on the second Monday of December.

Green Monday 2021 is the 15th annual celebration of this holiday. How can a restaurant or bar participate in what’s generally a retail holiday? By offering gift cards, gift card deals (spend $100, get an additional $25, for example), and then promote the hell out of your gift card promotions. Start a week or a few days before Green Monday, and then really promote them via social, your email lists, and your text lists on the day itself.

December 17: National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

Fine, this isn’t exactly a weird holiday anymore. At this point, ugly sweaters are basically a requirement for any holiday gathering taking place during December. However, it’s important to note that there’s an official holiday in December that calls for people to wear their ugly Christmas sweaters. Leveraging this holiday is easy, obviously. You know what to do.

December 23: National Pfeffernüsse Day

Would you like a pepper nut? Well, what about a pfeffernüsse? The name of this German gingerbread cookie translates to “pepper nut” in English. What sets this gingerbread cookie apart from the type we’re all most familiar with is that they’re rolled into balls before being baked, and then finished with confectioner’s sugar.

This tasty German cookie (also popular in Denmark and the Netherlands) certainly fits with the holiday season. And I bet you can think of a few beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails that pair well these cookies, which are made with all-spice, anise, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace, and nutmeg.

Image: Dan Parlante on Unsplash