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February 28, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Program for Unique Holidays: March 2023

Program for Unique Holidays: March 2023

by David Klemt

Do you want to stand out from from other restaurants and bars in your area? Change how you think about holiday promotions.

Several holidays are set against every date on the calendar, and March is no exception. These holidays range from mainstream to esoteric.

Pay attention to the “weird” or unique holidays to raise eyebrows, carve out a niche for your restaurant or bar, and attract more guests. Why do what everyone else is already doing? Why program only around the same holidays as everyone else?

Of course, you shouldn’t try to celebrate every holiday, strange or otherwise. Focus on the days that are authentic to your brand; resonate with your guests; and help you grab attention on social media.

You’ll find suggestions for promotions below. However, the idea behind our monthly holiday promotions roundup is to inspire you and your team to get creative and come up with unique programming ideas.

For our February 2023 holidays list, click here.

March 3: National I Want You to be Happy Day

This is certainly a holiday tailor-made for the hospitality industry. Above all, we should all want guests to feel happy before, during, and after their visit. Happy and excited in anticipation to visiting, happy throughout their visit, and leaving with a happy memory.

March 5: Cinco de Marcho

This is a week-long celebration. Traditionally, this holiday has been intended to prepare people for all the alcohol they intend to consume on St. Patrick’s Day.

However, operators can go a different direction with this. For the week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day you can trickle out the dishes and drinks you intend to feature for the big celebration. Alternatively, you can feature alcohol-free and even health-boosting drinks before St. Patrick’s Day.

March 8: National Proofreading Day

You and your team should be proofreading your menus before they every find their in front of guests. But, hey, mistakes are sometimes made.

For National Proofreading Day, challenge your guests to find errors on your menus, placing a “bounty” on them. Reward guests who find mistakes and then fix them.

March 10: Mario Day

Nostalgia is a powerful tool for generating engagement, boosting traffic, and creating guest loyalty. This holiday celebrates Nintendo’s most famous character, obviously.

If you have gaming consoles or Super Mario Bros. arcade games, you know what to do. And you also know you should create a Mario-themed LTO menu.

March 13: National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day

You could, if you’re superstitious, tempt fate on this day. For example, you could set some umbrellas by your front door and dare guests to open them indoors upon their arrival.

Or you could create an LTO menu with drinks served with cocktail umbrellas, a much “safer” way to celebrate.

March 16: National Everything You Do Is Right Day

Does your guest want another drink? That’s the right decision. Do they want to order a second starter? They’re right to do so. Is your guest mulling over dessert? They should do it because it’s the right thing to do.

March 22: National Goof Off Day

Sometimes your guests need to play hooky. Work, errands, chores… Who needs ’em? This is the day they should find refuge in your restaurant or bar and take a break from their responsibilities.

March 26: Make Up Your Own Holiday Day

I mean… Clean slate here. Create your own holiday and make it stick for an annual March 26 celebration at your venue.

March 29: Smoke And Mirrors Day

One of the simplest ways to leverage this holiday is with smoked cocktails and foods. Smoke sells: When one guest orders a smoked cocktail, others follow.

March 30: National Virtual Vacation Day

You can treat this like National Goof Off Day. Of course, you can also decorate your place to look like a vacation destination, create themed LTOs, and send your guests into April feeling refreshed.

Women’s History Month Holidays

In addition to March being Women’s History Month, there are separate days that celebrate women and women’s accomplishments, and bring attention to women’s issues. You can find these days below:

International Women’s Week: March 5-12
Women of Aviation Worldwide Week: March 6-13
Women in Construction Week: March 6-13
International Women’s Day: March 8
National Women And Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: March 10

Image: Ivan Bertolazzi on Pexels

February 22, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Do Super Bowl Ads Work on Consumers?

Do Super Bowl Ads Work on Consumers?

by David Klemt

One of the biggest Super Bowl ad winners is Pepsi Zero Sugar.

Brands spent hundreds of millions of dollars to advertise during Super Bowl LVII, but do their ads actually translate to demand for their products?

A week ago we shared our ten favorite beverage-focused Big Game ads. Along with those ads we shared some numbers.

One of those numbers was $7 million, the cost of a 30-second Super Bowl ad on Fox. Other numbers? $500 million and $700 million, the range of revenue it’s estimated that Fox generated this year from Super Bowl ads.

At this point, these ads and the Halftime Show have essentially become their own entities. Some people watch the Big Game for the ads, some for the show halfway through. It stands to reason that brands are well aware of this development. So, they try to create the most impactful ad possible in the hopes of generating consumer demand.

In other words, these brands aren’t spending all this money just so they’re commercial can be deemed cool. Sure, brands want that buzz. But they also want an ROI on the millions they spend.

The big question is, then, are they seeing a return? Well, it just so happens that behavioral insight platform Veylinx has a data-driven answer to that question.

In short, the answer is yes. Of course, it’s a nuanced yes. For example, it appears Gen Z doesn’t care much about Super Bowl ads, as you’ll see below. Also, non-advertisers in the same categories as Super Bowl advertisers appear to see a benefit from the ads.

You’ll learn more from the Veylinx press release below. It’s an interesting read with valuable data for restaurant, bar, and hotel operators.

NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2023 — A new study from behavioral research company Veylinx determined whether or not Super Bowl commercials boost consumer demand for the products advertised. The results show that 2023 Super Bowl advertising fueled a 6.4% increase in demand among viewers.

The overall increase in consumer demand was driven by women, who accounted for a 21% increase in demand growth. The commercials had minimal impact on men, yielding just 1% demand growth for the brands tested. Gen Z viewers were largely unimpressed by the Super Bowl ads, with demand among 18 to 25 year olds actually shrinking by 1%.

“It’s not really a surprise to see that Super Bowl ads improve sales, but the short term bump alone may not be enough to justify the $7 million price tag,” said Veylinx founder and CEO Anouar El Haji.

Using Veylinx’s proprietary methodology—which measures actual demand rather than intent—the study tested purchase behavior during the week before the Super Bowl and again the week after. The research focused on measuring the change in consumer demand for eight brands with Super Bowl ads: Michelob Ultra, Heineken 0.0%, Hellmann’s Mayo, Downy Unstopables, Crown Royal Whisky, Frito-Lay PopCorners, Pringles and Pepsi Zero Sugar.

Super Bowl Advertising Winners Overall

Michelob Ultra – 19% increase in demand

Pepsi Zero Sugar – 18% increase in demand

Frito-Lay PopCorners – 12% increase in demand

Heineken 0.0% – 11% increase in demand

Super Bowl Advertising Winners Among Women

Pepsi Zero Sugar – 45% increase in demand

Michelob Ultra – 40% increase in demand

Heineken 0.0% – 40% increase in demand

Crown Royal Whisky – 26% increase in demand

Halo Effect for Non-Advertisers

The biggest winners were arguably brands in the same product categories as Super Bowl advertisers. Non-advertisers in those categories appeared to benefit nearly as much as the advertisers: demand grew by 4.2% percent for the study’s control group of non-advertising competitors. Corona Extra, Kraft Mayo and Lay’s STAX were the greatest beneficiaries in a control group that also included Budweiser Zero, Arm & Hammer Clean Scentsations, Canadian Club Whisky, Popchips, and Coke Zero Sugar. Notably, every non-advertiser saw at least a slight increase in post-Super Bowl demand.

“The goal of our study was to look specifically at how consumer demand is affected by running a commercial during the Super Bowl,” El Haji said. “It’s possible that the non-advertisers deployed other marketing efforts to offset or take advantage of the Super Bowl advertising—or they simply benefited from increased exposure for their categories.”

Additional Findings

Study participants also answered a series of follow-up questions about their preferences, perceptions and how they watched the Super Bowl. More than three-quarters watched at home through various platforms, the most popular being the live cable/satellite broadcast (38%), followed by YouTube TV (15%) and Hulu (10%). When asked why they watched, it’s no surprise that participants were all about the game (64%)—but the commercials were the next most popular reason for watching (39%), followed by halftime (35%), the social aspect (26%) and fear of missing out (13%).

About the Research

Veylinx studied the behavior of 1,610 U.S. consumers pre- and post- Super Bowl LVII. Unlike typical surveys where consumers are simply asked about their purchase intent, Veylinx measures whether consumers will pay for a product through a real bidding process. Consumers reveal their true willingness to pay by placing sealed bids on products and then answering follow-up questions.

For more information about the study and the Veylinx methodology, visit info.veylinx.com/super-bowl

About Veylinx

Veylinx is the most realistic behavioral insights platform for confidently answering critical business questions during all stages of product innovation. To reliably predict demand, Veylinx captures insights through a Nobel Prize-winning approach in which consumers have real skin in the game. This is a major advance from traditional market research practices that rely on what consumers say they would hypothetically buy. Veylinx’s unique research methodology is trusted by the world’s largest and most innovative consumer goods companies.

Main article image: PepsiCo / Article body images: Veylinx

February 20, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

A New Challenger to the Margarita Emerges

A New Challenger to the Margarita Emerges

by David Klemt

The simple, three-ingredient Margarita continues its longstanding reign on the cocktail throne but there’s now a new number two.

Technically, of course, we haven’t had hard numbers regarding the Margarita’s sales for decades upon decades. Nielsen has only been officially tracking this type of cocktail data since 2016.

However, it’s not difficult to understand that America has been in love with the Margarita for decades. In fact, the cocktail may have been sitting on the throne for 50 (or more) years.

Some cocktail historians believe the Margarita is a member of the Daisy drink family. These sours consist of a spirit, citrus, simple syrup, and soda. Depending on who you believe, the Margarita came to life in the 1930s or 1940s.

An orange liqueur (triple sec) replaced the simple syrup, the soda was sent packing, and tequila became the required spirit. By the 1950s, the Margarita was on its way to winning the cocktail game of thrones.

Over the decades, many variations have appeared on the scene. Undoubtedly, this has helped the cocktail continue its reign. Tourist destinations have also strengthened its position; just think about the ubiquity of Margarita machines and blenders in Las Vegas and New Orleans.

But the simple, original recipe is the still “the One.” Ask a bartender or bar manager how they gauge someone’s skills behind the bar. The answer much (if not most) of the time? How that person makes a Margarita.

There’s nowhere to hide when a cocktail has but two or three ingredients. That’s why so many bar professionals judge bartenders by their Margs.

A “New” Challenger Appears

Unsurprisingly, the Margarita proved to be the most popular cocktail in America in 2022.

In contrast, according to the CGA Cocktail Sales Tracker by Nielsen IQ, the Manhattan fell out of the top ten.

The Moscow Mule, which has been rising in popularity for several years now, was in second place last year. In third, the Martini.

Now, before I address the “new” challenger to the Margarita, a note. The four newsworthy cocktails in terms of CGA and Nielsen tracking all have names beginning with the letter “M.” Does that mean anything? I have no idea. Maybe someone can look into cocktail names and how their perceived by guests to find out if “M” drinks outperform others.

So, we’ve got the Margarita, the Moscow Mule, the Martini, and the Manhattan (although for a different reason). Is the Moscow Mule currently eyeing the Margarita’s position up close and personally?

According to CGA by NielsenIQ data, no. The Martini is now sitting in the number two spot. Interestingly, this may be due to the rise in popularity—yet again—of the Espresso Martini.

So, while your bar team is ensuring their Margarita specs are dialed in for National Margarita Day, don’t neglect your Martinis. (Particularly your Espresso Martini.)

By the way, National Margarita Day is this Wednesday, February 22. Make sure you’re ready to thrown down.

Oh, and if you ever feel like starting an argument at a bar, ask the bartenders for their Margarita and Martini specs.

Image: Mathew Benoit on Unsplash

February 15, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Girl Scout Cookies take Cocktail Form

Girl Scout Cookies take Cocktail Form at Ocean Casino Resort

by David Klemt

Beginning today, Girl Scout Cookies are undergoing an irresistible liquid transformation at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City.

Guests of the casino and resort will have the opportunity to enjoy these decadent cocktails through March 15.

In addition to driving traffic and engagement, these LTO drinks are a charitable effort. One dollar from each sale of these cocktails will go to the Girl Scout Troops of Southern and Central New Jersey.

So, not only is this a promotion that leverages nostalgia, these drinks enhance the guest experience of both visitors and locals. Ocean guests from out of town get to try enticing LTO drinks. And locals can try a series of limited-run cocktails while supporting their own community.

At KRG Hospitality, we like this promotion for several reasons. First, Girl Scout Cookies. For adults, these are nostalgic treats. For children, Girl Scout Cookies are a special treat. And, of course, Girl Scout Cookie sales help Girl Scouts raise funds for their organization.

Second, this promotion runs for four full weeks. That’s 28 days of sales, which is 28 days of fundraising.

Third, the Ocean Casino Resort F&B and marketing teams continues to show off their marketing skills. Last year, Ocean celebrated the Choco Taco with a tempting cocktail after it’s demise was announced. And just days ago we took a look at their Big Game drinks.

Each of their cocktail promotions serve as an exemplary LTO. Operators across the country can look to these for inspiration in terms of boosting traffic and sales, enhancing the guest experience, and engaging with their local communities while enticing visitors.

Check out Ocean Casino Resort’s National Girl Scout Day cocktail recipes. Cheers!

Berry Chocolatey

2 oz. Three Olives Vodka
2 oz. Chambord
2 oz. Chocolate liqueur (examples: Dorda, Godiva, Mozart)
Half chocolate rim to garnish

Prepare a coupe by rimming with chocolate syrup. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into prepared glass.

Caramel Surprise

1.5 oz. Three Olives Vodka
1 oz. Chocolate Liqueur (examples: Dorda, Godiva, Mozart)
1.5 oz. Malibu
1 oz. Half and Half
1 bar spoon of Caramel syrup
Chocolate and caramel drizzle to garnish
Toasted coconut flakes to garnish

Prepare a Martini or cocktail glass by adding chocolate and caramel syrups to inside. Add first four ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into prepared glass. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.

Lemon Kiss

2 oz. Three Olives Vodka
0.5 oz. Triple Sec
1 oz. Fresh lemon juice
1 oz. Simple syrup
Half sugar rim to garnish
Lemon wedge to garnish

Prepare a Martini or cocktail glass with half-rim of sugar. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into prepared glass. Garnish with lemon wedge.

PB&B

2.5 oz. Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
0.5 oz. Crème de Cacao
2 dashes Chocolate bitters
1 dash Angostura bitters
Peanut Brittle laid across rim to garnish

Place a large ice cube inside a rocks glass. Add all liquid ingredients to prepared glass and stir. Garnish by laying a bite-size piece of peanut brittle across rim.

Images courtesy of Ocean Casino Resort

February 8, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Can ChatGPT Write Food and Drink Menus?

Can ChatGPT Write Food and Drink Menus?

by David Klemt

After my “conversation” last month with ChatGPT about AI, I had another conversation during which I asked it to write me four menus.

Of course, I did this to prove a point. And upon reviewing the ChatGPT menus, you’ll likely reach the same conclusion.

Curious about how creative the AI-powered chatbot could be, I asked for four specific menus. As you’ll see, two are cocktail specific, one focuses on food, and one is a 20-item F&B menu for a specific event.

So, yes, ChatGPT can write food and drink menus. But there’s a caveat. I could leave you in suspense but that’s not very nice. Let’s jump in.

Write me a cocktail menu using the most popular cocktails from 2022.

Cocktail Menu

Aperol Spritz – Aperol, Prosecco, and soda water, garnished with an orange slice
Old Fashioned – Bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a citrus peel
Margarita – Tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and salt rim
Daiquiri – Rum, lime juice, and simple syrup
Moscow Mule – Vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice
Paloma – Tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and soda water
Pina Colada – Rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and a cherry garnish
Whiskey Sour – Bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup
French 75 – Gin, Champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup
Mai Tai – Rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, and orgeat syrup

*All cocktails are served over ice, unless otherwise requested.

Write me a cocktail menu using the most popular spirits and alcohol types of 2022.

Cocktail Menu

Gin and Tonic – Gin, tonic water, and a lime wedge
Vodka Martini – Vodka, dry vermouth, and an olive garnish
Bourbon Manhattan – Bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters
Tequila Sunrise – Tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup
Rum Runner – Rum, blackberry liqueur, orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine
Whiskey Sour – Bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup
Margarita – Tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and salt rim
Daiquiri – Rum, lime juice, and simple syrup
Long Island Iced Tea – Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and cola
Pina Colada – Rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and a cherry garnish

*All cocktails are served over ice, unless otherwise requested.

Write me an appetizer and tapas menu that includes food items from an array of cuisines.

Appetizer and Tapas Menu

Bruschetta – Grilled bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze
Hummus Platter – Chickpea dip served with pita bread and fresh veggies
Spring Rolls – Fried wonton wrappers filled with veggies and served with sweet chili sauce
Spinach and Artichoke Dip – Creamy dip made with spinach, artichokes, and melted cheese, served with tortilla chips
Stuffed Jalapeños – Jalapeño peppers stuffed with cream cheese and bacon
Fried Calamari – Lightly battered and fried squid rings served with marinara sauce
Baked Brie – Warm, gooey brie cheese topped with fruit preserves and served with crackers
Fried Rice Balls – Rice mixed with veggies and spices, rolled into balls and fried, served with sweet and sour sauce
Chorizo Sliders – Mini sliders made with spicy chorizo sausage and topped with avocado crema
Samosas – Triangular-shaped pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas, served with mint chutney.

*Please let us know of any dietary restrictions, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Write me a food and beverage menu for the 2023 [Big Game] with ten food items and ten drinks.

[Big Game] 2023 Food and Beverage Menu

Food:

Buffalo Wings – Crispy wings tossed in spicy Buffalo sauce
Sliders – Mini burgers with various toppings, such as bacon and cheddar, mushroom and Swiss, and BBQ pulled pork
Nachos – Tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, salsa, and sour cream
Chili – Hearty beef chili served with shredded cheddar cheese, onions, and crackers
Ribs – Slow-cooked BBQ ribs with a tangy sauce
Mac & Cheese Bites – Fried balls of creamy mac & cheese
Deviled Eggs – Hard-boiled eggs filled with a mixture of mayo, mustard, and spices
Pizzas – Slices of delicious pizza in various toppings such as pepperoni, mushroom, and sausage
Chips & Dip – Assorted chips served with guacamole, salsa, and queso dip
Soft Pretzels – Warm, soft pretzels served with cheese dipping sauce

Drinks:

Beer – A selection of domestic and imported beers
Margaritas – Classic margaritas made with tequila, triple sec, and lime juice
Bloody Mary – A spicy tomato and vodka-based drink with celery, olives, and other garnishes
Hard Cider – A crisp, apple-based beverage
Sodas – A variety of soft drinks, such as cola, lemon-lime, and root beer
Whiskey Sours – A mixture of whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup
Spiked Hot Cider – Warm apple cider with a splash of rum
Red and White Wines – A selection of red and white wines to accompany any meal
Iced Tea – Sweetened or unsweetened iced tea
Coffee – Freshly brewed coffee, hot and ready to enjoy.

*Please drink responsibly and always have a designated driver.

Where Do You Stand on AI?

In my opinion, there are essentially four primary camps forming around the subject of artificial intelligence.

There are the Alarmists, the Enthusiasts, the Cautious, and the Shoulder Shruggers.

As my label implies, the Alarmists are fearful of AI. This group doesn’t like the genie being let out of its bottle. On the polar opposite, there are the Enthusiasts. This group can’t wait to see how far AI can go and what it’s fully capable of.

The Shoulder Shruggers basically have no opinion. They may even throw in an eye roll when the topic of AI comes around.

Then there’s the camp I most closely identify with: the Cautious. I don’t know enough about AI to be an Alarmist or an Enthusiast. Instead, I agree with points made by both of those camps.

Conclusion

Before I had my latest conversation with ChatGPT, I happened across a few interesting articles about the chatbot specifically and AI in general. A point each article shared was this: (for now), ChatGPT isn’t creative.

And that’s the caveat I mentioned at the top of this article.

Sure, it can scour the Internet for information in the blink of an eye, contextualize it (to a degree), and present it in a manner that seems intelligent. But really, neither ChatGPT nor other AI tools are capable of creative endeavors.

Now, consider the “menus” you just read. Unless your goal is to become a boring, regional chain bereft of personality and identity, not a single one is creative. In fact, they both consist of F&B items that any bartender, bar manager, chef, cook, or kitchen manager should know how to make, off-menu or on.

Simply put, these ChatGPT menus don’t provide much, if anything, in the way of brand identity.

That’s not to say that menus with the items above are “bad.” It’s just that they’re not enticing, not inspiring, not creative. They’re the definition of derivative. Why would today’s guest be drawn to a venue with those menus?

For now, I don’t think we need to be afraid of AI. Humans still rule the creativity roost. Oh, and please don’t use those AI-generated menus.

Image: Christian Wiediger on Unsplash

February 8, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Rosa is Pink, Lowlands Agave is Blue

Rosa is Pink, Lowlands Agave is Blue…

by David Klemt

Código 1530 is proud to present Valentine’s Day cocktails from Travis Pentecost of Tu Madre and Abby Blanchard of Broken Shaker.

Even more relevant for Valentine’s Day, each of the tequila-forward four recipes below is made with Código 1530 Rosa Blanco. As you can tell from the bottle image above, Rosa Blanco is a rosé tequila.

This particular tequila’s characteristic comes from the aging process. As the name implies, Rosa begins life as a blanco. But after one month in uncharred Napa Valley Cabernet French White Oak wine barrels, the liquid takes on a pink hue.

Produced using lowlands Blue Weber Agave, Código 1530 is precise about Rosa Blanco’s aging time. Too short and the barrels wouldn’t influence the tequila. Longer than one month and the wine barrel flavors would overpower the agave.

Código 1530’s exacting production and aging techniques result in their signature blanco delivering soft red wine notes on the palate, and a subtly floral finish. Rosa’s aging process enhances Blanco’s rich and bright earthy, mineral, and citrus notes.

If you have guests who are tequila fans—particularly those who love blanco—Rosa Blanco is a great conversation starter and upsale.

Kisses and Roses

recipe by Travis Pentecost (Tu Madre)

1.5 oz. Código 1530 Rosa Blanco Tequila
0.5 oz. Chinola
1 oz. Fresh lime juice
0.75 oz. Orgeat
2 dashes Plum bitters
Lemon slice to garnish
Edible flower to garnish

Add all ingredients to a shaker and strain into a Collins glass. Garnish with lemon slice and edible flower.

Will You Cherry Me

recipe by Travis Pentecost (Tu Madre)

1.5 oz. Código 1530 Rosa Blanco Tequila
0.5 oz. St-Germain
1 oz. Prickly Pear liqueur
1 oz. Fresh lemon juice
2 dashes Cherry bitters
Fresh mint leaves to garnish
Lemon slice to garnish
Edible flower to garnish

Add all ingredients to a shaker and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaf “bouquet,” lemon slice, and edible flower.

Sandia Margarita

recipe by Travis Pentecost (Tu Madre)

2 oz. Código 1530 Rosa Blanco Tequila
1 oz. Fresh watermelon juice
1 oz. Fresh lime juice
1 oz. Pina Agave
2 dashes Peach bitters
Fresh mint leaves to garnish
Orange slice to garnish
Gummy watermelon candies to garnish
Edible flower to garnish
Salt for rim

Add all ingredients to a shaker and strain into a prepared cocktail glass. Garnish with “bouquet” of fresh mint leaves, orange slice, gummy watermelon candies, and edible flower.

You Up?

recipe by Abby Blanchard (Broken Shaker)

2 oz. Código 1530 Rosa Blanco Tequila
1 oz. Fresh lime juice
0.75 oz. Simple Syrup
3 Raspberries, muddled
Raspberries to garnish
Raspberry gummy candy to garnish (optional)
Edible flower to garnish (optional)

Add all ingredients to a shaker and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with raspberries. Optional garnishes: addition of raspberry gummy candy and/or edible flower

Images: Código 1530

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor KRG Hospitality received compensation, monetary or otherwise, from Volley or any other entity in exchange for this post.

Group of Big Game cocktails at Ocean Casino Resort

February 7, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Ocean Casino Resort’s Big Game Cocktails

Ocean Casino Resort Offers Big Game Cocktails

by David Klemt

Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City’s award-winning oceanfront casino and resort, is ready for the Big Game with four cocktails that team with the theme.

Now, by “Big Game,” we all know what I’m talking about. We know the sport, we the know the league, and we know precisely which game is under discussion.

However, due to very “enthusiastic” attorneys, we also have to talk like we’re spies or actors in a mob movie. We wouldn’t want to tempt anyone to file a lawsuit now, would we?

And I’m going to encourage you to continue following this childish way of speaking about the Big Game. When you’re promoting your Sunday, February 12 event, don’t use any trademarked terms, logos, images, etc.

Alright, the Big Game legalese is out of the way. Let’s talk themed cocktails!

Big Game Cocktail Inspiration

Midway through last year, Ocean Casino Resort showed us all their marketing prowess. When news of the Choco Taco’s demise made headlines, Ocean created a cocktail homage: the Chocotini.

To ensure the LTO could be enjoyed by most guests, the cocktail was available at four venues on the property.

Now, Ocean Casino Resort is tackling the Big Game. (Note: I’m legally required to include sports puns when writing about any major game.)

Guests have four specialty LTO cocktails from which to choose. Two representing the team from Philadelphia, two for the team in Kansas City. Each drink is available at venues throughout the casino resort, including their Topgolf Swing Suite (largest in America), Nola’s Bar & Lounge, and the Gallery Bar Book & Games.

In news that should appeal to you and your bar team, these drinks are quick to make. That’s a relief when you plan to be slammed on a particular day.

Of course, you don’t have to attempt to replicate these cocktails. They serve as excellent inspiration to motivate you and your team to come up with your own liquid homages and LTOs.

In case you’re wondering what to charge, Ocean is charging $14 each for the Brotherly Love, Hurts So Good, and Big Red cocktails. The Arrowhead carries a price tag of $15.

Philadelphia

Brotherly Love

1 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Midori
0.5 oz. Lemon juice
0.5 oz. Lime juice
Club soda to top
Lime wedge or wheel to garnish

You and your bar team can build this cocktail in a rocks glass. Add ice, then add the first four ingredients. Top with club soda and garnish with a lime wedge or lime wheel.

Hurts So Good

2 oz. Dark rum
4 oz. Ginger beer
Lime to garnish

Another simple cocktail that you can make in the glass. Grab a Collins glass and add ice. Add the dark rum, then add and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge and lime wheel, then serve. If this sounds like a Dark ‘n’ Stormy, that’s because it is one. And like the Big Game’s actual trademark name, be careful using that drink name for legal reasons.

Kansas City

Big Red

1 oz. Fresh lime juice
2 oz. Silver tequila
2 oz. Pomegranate juice
0.75 oz. Triple sec
0.75 oz. Simple syrup
Lime to garnish
Cherry to garnish
Salt, cinnamon blend, or spicy salt blend to rim (get creative!)

Prepare a Martini or cocktail glass by adding a rim. This can be a simple salt rim, a cinnamon blend rim, a spicy salt mixture, or even a barbecue seasoning-style rim. Opt for chilling these glasses ahead of time if you prefer. Add ice and then the first five ingredients to a shaker. Shake until well chilled, then strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wedge or lime wheel, plus a cherry.

The Arrowhead

1.5 oz. Rye whiskey
4 oz. Ginger beer
4 dashes Angostura bitters
1 squeeze of Lemon juice
Lemon wedge or wheel to garnish

Prepare a Collins glass by adding ice. Add each ingredient, garnish with lemon wedge or wheel, and serve.

Images courtesy of Oceans Casino Resort

February 6, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

5 Books to Read this Month: February 2023

5 Books to Read this Month: February 2023

by David Klemt

This month’s engaging and informative book selections will help you hone your culinary, beverage, and operational skills to dial in your business.

To review the book recommendations from January 2023, click here.

Let’s jump in!

Cheers!: Cocktails & Toasts to Celebrate Every Day of the Year

As long-time KRG Hospitality readers know, we enjoy helping operators and their teams program around unique holidays. This book takes a similar approach to restaurant and bar promotions.

Philip Greene’s Cheers! suggests a specific drink and toast for each day on the calendar. There are, of course, the mainstream holidays each month. But like us, Greene also focuses on lesser-known holidays. With consumer behavior shifting toward occasion-based drinking, this book can certainly come in handy.

In the Weeds: Around the World and Behind the Scenes with Anthony Bourdain

Last year, In the Weeds was nominated for the 2022 BookTube Prize in Nonfiction. It’s understandable why this book was given such a nod: it takes the reader behind the scenes with Chef Anthony Bourdain.

“From the outside, the job looked like an all-expenses-paid adventure to places like Borneo, Vietnam, Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Libya. What happened off-camera was far more interesting than what made it to air. The more things went wrong, the better it was for the show. Fortunately, everything fell apart constantly.” Grab this book now on Amazon.

Meehan’s Bartender Manual

There are certain books that people in this industry simply need to read. Meehan’s Bartender Manual—written by bartender, educator and author Jim Meehan—is one such tome.

This award-winning book is a must-read for all bar professionals, whether you own a bar, work behind a bar, or are a server. Not only will you find 100 recipes in Meehan’s Bartender Manual, you’ll learn about bartender techniques, service, hospitality, and bar design. Pick it up today!

Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business

Much like Meehan’s Bartender Manual is a must-read for bar owners and bar teams, Setting the Table is required reading for restaurant owners and teams.

Restaurateur and chef Danny Meyer shares the lessons he has learned that helped him survive and thrive in a challenging industry. Certainly, our industry is changing. But there are still lessons to be learned when we look into our recent past.

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.

To say Brené Brown is an expert in leadership is an understatement. The professor, researcher, educator, and author has been teaching about leadership for years.

Brown’s 2018 book Dare to Lead focuses, in part, on two crucial keys of true leadership. One is taking personal responsibility. The second is how to recognize potential in others. Without these two elements, becoming an effective leader is essentially impossible. Pick up Dare to Lead on Amazon today.

Image: Mikołaj on Unsplash

February 3, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Program for Unique Holidays: February 2023

Program for Unique Holidays: February 2023

by David Klemt

Do you want to stand out from from other restaurants and bars in your area? Change how you think about holiday promotions.

Several holidays are set against every date on the calendar, and February is no exception. These holidays range from mainstream to esoteric.

For our January 2023 holidays list, click here.

February 6: Pride In Foodservice Week

I’m not gonna lie: This is the first I’ve heard of this week-long celebration of foodservice. That’s fairly embarrassing given that this holiday dates back to 1991.

As you’re probably assuming, Pride in Foodservice Week celebrates foodservice professionals. So, highlight your team on social media (with their approval, of course); do something special to show your team you appreciate them; and find a way to celebrate the foodservice pros that visit your restaurant, bar, or hotel this week.

February 7: National Fettuccine Alfredo Day

Is this holiday unusual? No. Is Fettuccine Alfredo in any way bizarre? Of course not.

But you can certainly tap your kitchen team to do something unexpected with this classic dish. Stuff bao buns or dumplings with Fettuccine Alfredo. Create deep-fried Fettuccine Alfredo bites. Find a way to serve it on a stick. Just get creative and own this food holiday.

February 8: Kite Flying Day

Now, I’m not expecting you to somehow create a promotion around actually flying kites. Although, if you have the space and resources, go for it.

Instead, consider focusing on a particular cocktail, like the Plastic Kite or Paper Plane. Is a paper plane a kite? It can be if it’s designed as one, so the cocktail should be fair game on this holiday.

February 10: National Umbrella Day

North America has been slammed by freezing weather and brutal storms. Your guests can probably use an escape from the cold temperatures.

One excellent way for them to transport themselves elsewhere (at least in their minds) is tropical drinks. And tropical drinks tend to be served with the iconic cocktail umbrella. You know what to do: Perfect your tiki or nautical cocktail recipes, create an LTO menu, and draw in your guests.

February 15: National Flag of Canada Day

There’s nothing weird about the Canadian Flag. In fact, it’s one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable flags on the planet.

So, this is your day to celebrate Canadian spirits, beer, and food whether you operate in Canada or anywhere else. Tap your reps, get your hands on Canadian spirits and beer, focus on a few Canadian delicacies, and put together a mouth-watering LTO F&B menu.

February 18: National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day

To be clear, I’m including this holiday because it’s so specific. Obviously, this calls for an LTO or special based on one dish. I’ll give you one guess which dish it is.

February 20: Hoodie Hoo Day

If you’re somewhere it won’t bother too many people, I want you to do me a favor. I want you to yell, “Hoodie hoo!” Did you do it? Did it put a smile on your face?

It’s basically impossible to yell those two little words and not be happy afterward. Well, that’s the whole point of this holiday: happiness. We could all use a dose of happy these days, and this holiday can certainly provide it.

February 25: World Sword Swallowers Day

There are a couple ways to celebrate World Sword Swallowers Day. But for the love of your bottom line, don’t let any of your guests attempt to swallow any swords, cocktail or otherwise!

Instead, dig into the recipe books and find some classics just look right with garnishes skewered by cocktail swords. Or, serve up the Swinging Sword cocktail by Buchanan’s:

1.5 oz. Buchanan’s 18-Year-Old Special Reserve Blended Scotch
0.75 oz. Fresh squeezed orange juice
0.5 oz. Fresh squeezed lemon juice
0.5 oz. Grenadine
Fresh mint sprig for garnish

Add ice and all liquid ingredients to a shaker. Shake well, strain into a coupe, garnish, and serve.

February 27: Telecommuter Appreciation Week

This is another week-long holiday I didn’t know existed. And again, it’s not new—this holiday was first celebrated in 1993.

However, I think it’s more relevant than ever. Rather than encouraging people to work from home on this holiday, celebrate your WFH guests. If your WiFi can handle it, encourage your guests to work from your restaurant, bar, or hotel. And make sure to create LTO food and drink menus to incentivize to do so.

Image: Ivan Bertolazzi on Pexels

January 23, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Datassential: The Flavors of 2023

Datassential: The Flavors and Menu Items of 2023

by David Klemt

Food and beverage market research agency Datassential has some data-driven thoughts on the flavors and menu items that will define 2023.

Featured in their latest Foodbytes report are 20 items for operators to consider this year. There are ten food items, drinks, and ingredients Datassential predicts will be on basically every menu.

And there are another ten food items, drinks, and ingredients the agency feels could suddenly hit in 2023.

For you own copy of Datassential’s 2023 Food Trends, click here.

Prolific Performers

As Datassential refers to them in their report, these are the items “that will be everywhere” this year.

Food

Birria. This one makes sense as birria only appears to be capable of continually growing in popularity.
Mushroom. In Datassential’s opinion, we should expect more menus to feature mushroom snacks. Also, expect to see (or add yourself) lesser-known, rare, and exotic mushrooms on menus.
Salsa macha. Over the past four years, according to Datassential, salsa macha as grown a staggering 339 percent on menus.

Drink

London Fog. A compelling earl grey tea latte.
Mangonada. Salty, tart, fruity, and bold, the Mangonada is a flavorful frozen drink.
Ranch Water. Simple, timeless, and refreshing. In 2022, per Datassential, Ranch Water was the fastest-growing cocktail.
Soju. According to Datassential, soju is the third fastest-growing spirit on restaurant and bar menus.

Ingredient

Spicy maple. As the image atop this article suggests, expect spicy maple to replace or at least give hot honey a run for its money.
Ube. A striking purple yam from the Philippines.
Yuzu. Datassential predicts this citrus fruit will start showing up on many chain restaurant menus.

Promising Performers

In Datassential’s data-driven opinion, the following items need to be on every operator’s radar.

These are the items that have the potential to “hit it big” in 2023.

Food

Pickled strawberries. Interestingly, this matches up with Technomic’s trend prediction for the US, Canada…worldwide, really.
Savory granola. Not only on its own but as an element of savory, healthy bowl.
Sisig. A Filipino delicacy with pork belly, pig’s face, and chicken liver as key elements.

Drink

White coffee. As Datassential states, “there’s always room for coffee innovation on menus.”

Ingredient

Black tahini. The appearance of black tahini is quite striking, making for dramatic presentations. And as we know, striking presentations are perfect for social media marketing and engagement.
Cannabis. The legalization of recreational cannabis use in almost half of US states is leading to innovation in this space. And as more markets legalize public consumption in the form of F&B items on-premise, restaurants and bars will add cannabis-infused items to their menus.
Cherry blossom, or sakura. It seems that cherry blossoms are poised to take off in the US market.
Chestnut flower. Per Datassential, this ingredient is gaining popularity for use in winter baked goods.
MSG. For decades, restaurants proudly proclaimed “no MSG” or “MSG-free” on menus due to misconceptions. Now that consumers are better educated about ingredients, restaurants are proudly proclaiming their use of MSG.
Verjus. An ancient juice made by crushing unripened wine grapes. It can be an ingredient in a sauce, as a condiment, or to deglaze a pan.

There you have it—20 items to consider adding in your next menu update, featuring in your next LTO, or at least keeping an eye on in 2023.

Image: Scott Eckersley on Unsplash