Marketing | KRG Hospitality

July 18, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

SEO Tips from AI: Hotels & Camps

SEO Tips from AI: Hotels, Camps & Lodges

by David Klemt

After asking ChatGPT to suggest SEO improvements for restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, we’ve done the same for the hotel space.

This is part two of our AI-generated SEO tips series. In part one, we focus on restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and eatertainment venues.

For this part, we ask ChatGPT about improving SEO for boutique hotels, independently owned hotels, boutique and luxury campgrounds, and boutique and luxury lodges.

The boutique and luxury outdoor experiential market is heating up. So, I was curious about what keywords and advice ChatGPT would recommend to help operators in this space stand out and improve their odds for discover.

Personally, I found some of the keyword suggestions helpful. However, these are terms we at KRG Hospitality already know to include in our brand identity and marketing plans.

Simply put, I don’t think AI rivals what humans can create when it comes to brand identity and marketing. But, you should read the following and decide for yourself.

What specific terms are the best for boutique or independently owned hotels to use for SEO ranking?

For boutique or independently owned hotels, it’s important to focus on specific terms that highlight the unique aspects of your property and appeal to your target audience. Here are some specific terms that can be beneficial for SEO ranking:

Hotel Name: Ensure that your hotel’s name is prominently featured in your website’s content, meta tags, and URLs to associate your website with your hotel’s name.
Location-Based Keywords: Include location-specific keywords throughout your website to target customers searching for hotels in your area. For example, use terms like “boutique hotels in [location],” “[location] luxury accommodations,” or “independent hotels near [landmark].”
Unique Selling Points: Highlight the unique features and qualities of your boutique hotel. Optimize your website with keywords that reflect these selling points, such as “boutique hotel with rooftop pool,” “intimate luxury accommodations,” or “designer boutique hotel in [location].”
Style and Theme: If your boutique hotel has a specific style or theme, incorporate relevant keywords. For example, use terms like “vintage-inspired boutique hotel,” “modern boutique accommodations,” or “bohemian chic hotel in [location].”
Amenities and Services: Emphasize the distinctive amenities and services your boutique hotel offers. Optimize your website with keywords related to these offerings, such as “boutique hotel with spa,” “gourmet dining experiences,” or “personalized concierge services.”
Local Attractions and Experiences: If your boutique hotel is close to popular local attractions or offers unique experiences, mention them on your website. Optimize with keywords related to these attractions and experiences to attract visitors searching for accommodations near specific landmarks or seeking specific activities.
Sustainable or Eco-Friendly: If your boutique hotel has a focus on sustainability or eco-friendliness, incorporate related keywords. Use terms like “eco-friendly accommodations,” “green boutique hotel,” or “sustainable practices in [location].”
Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage guests to leave reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, or TripAdvisor. Positive reviews can boost your hotel’s visibility in search results and attract more bookings.
Local SEO: Implement local SEO strategies by optimizing your website for local search results. This includes creating and optimizing your Google My Business profile, ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information across directories, and getting listed in local online directories.
Social Media Integration: Integrate social media into your SEO strategy by linking your website to your hotel’s social media profiles. Engage with your audience, share updates about your hotel, and encourage user-generated content through social media channels.

Remember to conduct keyword research specific to your boutique hotel’s offerings, style, and target audience. Regularly monitor your website’s performance, track keyword rankings, and adapt your SEO strategy as needed to improve your hotel’s online visibility and attract more guests.

What specific terms are the best for boutique and luxury campgrounds and lodges to use for SEO ranking?

For boutique and luxury campgrounds and lodges, it’s important to use specific terms that highlight the unique features, amenities, and experiences your property offers. Here are some specific terms that can be beneficial for SEO ranking:

Campground or Lodge Name: Ensure that your property’s name is prominently featured in your website’s content, meta tags, and URLs to associate your website with your campground or lodge’s name.
Location-Based Keywords: Include location-specific keywords throughout your website to target customers searching for campgrounds or lodges in your area. For example, use terms like “luxury campground in [location],” “[location] glamping site,” or “boutique lodge near [landmark].”
Nature and Outdoor Keywords: Emphasize the natural beauty and outdoor experiences available at your campground or lodge. Optimize your website with keywords related to activities like hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, or stargazing. Use terms like “nature retreat,” “wilderness campground,” or “outdoor adventure in [location].”
Unique Accommodations: If your campground or lodge offers unique accommodations like glamping tents, treehouses, or luxury cabins, highlight them on your website. Optimize with keywords like “glamping experience,” “luxury safari tents,” or “secluded treehouse retreat.”
Amenities and Services: Showcase the luxurious amenities and services your campground or lodge provides. Optimize your website with keywords related to these offerings, such as “heated swimming pool,” “private chef services,” “spa and wellness facilities,” or “concierge services.”
Sustainable or Eco-Friendly: If your campground or lodge follows sustainable practices or has an eco-friendly focus, incorporate related keywords. Use terms like “eco-conscious accommodations,” “sustainable camping,” or “green lodge in [location].”
Nearby Attractions and Activities: Highlight popular nearby attractions, landmarks, or outdoor activities that guests can enjoy during their stay. Optimize with keywords related to these attractions and activities to attract visitors searching for accommodations near specific points of interest.
Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage guests to leave reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, or TripAdvisor. Positive reviews can boost your campground or lodge’s visibility in search results and attract more bookings.
Local SEO: Implement local SEO strategies by optimizing your website for local search results. This includes creating and optimizing your Google My Business profile, ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information across directories, and getting listed in local online directories.
Social Media Integration: Integrate social media into your SEO strategy by linking your website to your campground or lodge’s social media profiles. Engage with your audience, share updates about your property, and encourage user-generated content through social media channels.

Remember to conduct keyword research specific to your campground or lodge’s offerings, location, and target audience. Regularly monitor your website’s performance, track keyword rankings, and adapt your SEO strategy as needed to improve your property’s online visibility and attract more guests.

Takeaway

Just like AI-generated tips for SEO and discovery for restaurants and bars, there needs to be a human element for hotels, campgrounds, and lodges.

Relying on AI to improve search engine ranking isn’t, at this point, the best strategy. Perhaps one day that will change, but today isn’t that day.

The answers to my questions do provide some good tips regarding specific keywords and SEO practices. However, I wouldn’t suggest that operators trust AI to write their listings or the pages on their websites.

As it stands, in my opinion, AI just can’t match what people can do when it comes to marketing, branding, and discovery.

Image: Levart_Photographer on Unsplash

July 17, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

SEO Tips from AI: Restaurants & Bars

SEO Tips from AI: Restaurants, Bars & Nightclubs

by David Klemt

We aren’t fans of artificial intelligence “creating” marketing plans but can chatbots help improve SEO by offering keywords and making other suggestions?

Since AI tools such as ChatGPT can instantly crawl the depths of the Internet, we want to know if they can provide “insider” tips. Perhaps they have a leg up when it comes to parsing what helps and what hurts SEO ranking.

Restaurant, bar, and nightclub websites still matter. Consider the latest SevenRooms data in regards to how people discover new places to dine, drink, and socialize. Two-thirds of consumers rely on word-of-mouth recommendations from family and friends. A third use Google.

So, that should show how important it is to ensure your restaurant, bar, or nightclub is showing up right away when people are using search engines.

For the first part of our AI SEO series, I ask ChatGPT for suggestions for restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and eatertainment venues. In the follow-up article, I ask for assistance for hotels, campgrounds, and lodges.

Note: ChatGPT’s answers are provided below unedited. There’s some repetition, which is to be expected.

What specific terms are the best for restaurants to use for SEO ranking?

When it comes to specific terms for SEO ranking for restaurants, it’s important to consider keywords that are relevant to your restaurant’s niche, location, and target audience. Here are some specific terms that can be beneficial:

Cuisine Keywords: Incorporate specific cuisine-related keywords that reflect the type of food your restaurant serves. For example, if you have an Italian restaurant, use terms like “Italian cuisine,” “authentic Italian dishes,” or “Italian restaurant [location].”
Location-Based Keywords: Include location-specific keywords throughout your website to target customers searching for restaurants in your area. For instance, use terms like “best restaurants in [location],” “[location] dining,” or “[location] food scene.”
Menu Items: Optimize your website for specific menu items that are popular or unique to your restaurant. Include descriptive keywords for these dishes, such as “signature seafood pasta,” “gourmet burger with truffle aioli,” or “vegan-friendly options.”
Dining Experience Keywords: Highlight specific aspects of your restaurant’s dining experience. For example, if you have a rooftop terrace, mention it with keywords like “rooftop dining [location]” or “alfresco dining with city views.”
Special Occasions: If your restaurant caters to special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or private events, optimize with related keywords. Use terms like “private event venue,” “birthday dinner reservations,” or “romantic anniversary restaurant.”
Farm-to-Table or Sustainable Keywords: If your restaurant emphasizes locally sourced or sustainable ingredients, incorporate related keywords. Use terms like “farm-to-table dining,” “organic ingredients,” or “sustainable seafood.”
Brunch or Breakfast Keywords: If your restaurant serves brunch or breakfast, optimize your website for keywords related to these meals. Use terms like “weekend brunch spot,” “best breakfast in [location],” or “bottomless mimosa brunch.”
Online Ordering and Delivery: If your restaurant offers online ordering or food delivery services, optimize your website with related keywords. Use terms like “online food ordering,” “food delivery [location],” or “order food online.”
Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, or TripAdvisor. Positive reviews can boost your restaurant’s visibility in search results and attract more customers.
Local SEO: Implement local SEO strategies by optimizing your website for local search results. This includes creating and optimizing your Google My Business profile, ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information across directories, and getting listed in local online directories.

Remember, it’s crucial to conduct keyword research specific to your restaurant’s offerings and target audience. Regularly monitor your website’s performance, track keyword rankings, and adapt your SEO strategy as needed to improve your restaurant’s online visibility and attract more diners.

What specific terms are the best for bars to use for SEO ranking?

When it comes to specific terms for SEO ranking for bars, it’s important to consider keywords that are relevant to your bar’s theme, location, and target audience. Here are some specific terms that can be beneficial:

Bar Name: Ensure that your bar’s name is prominently featured in your website’s content, meta tags, and URLs to associate your website with your bar’s name.
Location-Based Keywords: Include location-specific keywords throughout your website to target customers searching for bars in your area. For example, use terms like “best bars in [location],” “[location] nightlife,” or “bars near [landmark].”
Bar Type or Theme: Incorporate specific keywords related to your bar’s type or theme. For instance, if you have a sports bar, use terms like “sports bar,” “sports pub,” or “sports viewing in [location].” If your bar has a specific theme like a speakeasy, mention keywords like “speakeasy bar,” “1920s-inspired bar,” or “craft cocktails in a hidden bar.”
Drink Specialties: Highlight popular drinks or signature cocktails on your website and optimize the descriptions with relevant keywords. For example, use terms like “craft cocktails,” “mixology bar,” or “unique drink creations.”
Happy Hour and Specials: If your bar offers happy hour specials or unique promotions, optimize your website with keywords related to these offerings. Use terms like “happy hour deals,” “drink specials,” or “late-night promotions.”
Entertainment and Events: If your bar hosts live music, DJs, trivia nights, or other events, optimize your website with keywords related to these offerings. For instance, use terms like “live music bar,” “DJ nights,” or “weekly trivia at [bar name].”
Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, or TripAdvisor. Positive reviews can boost your bar’s visibility in search results and attract more customers.
Local SEO: Implement local SEO strategies by optimizing your website for local search results. This includes creating and optimizing your Google My Business profile, ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information across directories, and getting listed in local online directories.
Social Media Integration: Integrate social media into your SEO strategy by linking your website to your bar’s social media profiles. Engage with your audience, share updates about your bar, and encourage user-generated content through social media channels.
Events Calendar: If your bar has a calendar of upcoming events, optimize it with keywords related to the types of events you host. For example, use terms like “live music schedule,” “karaoke nights,” or “themed parties at [bar name].”

Remember, it’s important to conduct keyword research specific to your bar’s offerings and target audience. Regularly monitor your website’s performance, track keyword rankings, and adapt your SEO strategy as needed to improve your bar’s online visibility and attract more customers.

What specific terms are the best for eatertainment venues similar to Topgolf or Punch Bowl Social to use for SEO ranking?

For eatertainment venues similar to Topgolf or Punch Bowl Social, it’s important to use specific terms that highlight the unique features, activities, and experiences your venue offers. Here are some specific terms that can be beneficial for SEO ranking:

Venue Name: Ensure that your venue’s name is prominently featured in your website’s content, meta tags, and URLs to associate your website with your venue’s name.
Location-Based Keywords: Include location-specific keywords throughout your website to target customers searching for similar venues in your area. For example, use terms like “Topgolf-style venue in [location],” “entertainment center in [location],” or “[location] eatertainment complex.”
Interactive Games and Activities: Highlight the various interactive games and activities available at your venue. Optimize your website with keywords related to these offerings, such as “interactive golf games,” “arcade entertainment,” “bowling alley,” “virtual reality experiences,” or “multiplayer experiences.”
Social Atmosphere: Emphasize the social and vibrant atmosphere of your venue. Use keywords that convey a fun and engaging experience, such as “socializing with friends,” “lively entertainment environment,” or “party and event destination.”
Food and Drink: Highlight the dining and beverage options available at your eatertainment venue. Optimize your website with keywords related to your menu, such as “gourmet food and craft cocktails,” “full-service restaurant with a bar,” or “delicious bites and refreshing drinks.”
Entertainment Variety: Showcase the variety of entertainment options available at your venue. Use keywords related to live performances, music, comedy shows, or special events. For example, “live music venue,” “comedy club,” or “special event space.”
Private Events and Group Activities: If your venue caters to private events or offers group activities, optimize your website with keywords related to these offerings. Use terms like “private event venue,” “corporate team-building activities,” or “party room reservations.”
Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage guests to leave reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, or TripAdvisor. Positive reviews can improve your venue’s visibility in search results and attract more visitors.
Local SEO: Implement local SEO strategies by optimizing your website for local search results. This includes creating and optimizing your Google My Business profile, ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information across directories, and getting listed in local online directories.
Social Media Integration: Integrate social media into your SEO strategy by linking your website to your venue’s social media profiles. Engage with your audience, share updates about upcoming events or promotions, and encourage user-generated content through social media channels.

Remember to conduct keyword research specific to your eatertainment venue’s offerings, target audience, and location. Regularly monitor your website’s performance, track keyword rankings, and adapt your SEO strategy as needed to improve your venue’s online visibility and attract more visitors.

What specific terms are the best for nightclubs to use for SEO ranking?

When it comes to specific terms for SEO ranking for nightclubs, it’s crucial to consider keywords that are relevant to your nightclub’s niche, location, and target audience. Here are some specific terms that can be beneficial:

Nightclub Name: Ensure that your nightclub’s name is prominently featured in your website’s content, meta tags, and URLs to associate your website with your nightclub’s name.
Location-Based Keywords: Include location-specific keywords throughout your website to target customers searching for nightclubs in your area. For example, use terms like “nightclubs in [location],” “[location] nightlife,” or “dance clubs near [location].”
Music Genre: Incorporate specific music genre-related keywords that reflect the type of music your nightclub specializes in. For instance, if you focus on electronic dance music, use terms like “EDM nightclub,” “electronic dance club,” or “techno parties in [location].” If you cater to hip-hop enthusiasts, include keywords like “hip-hop club,” “urban nightlife,” or “R&B parties in [location].”
DJ Names: If your nightclub regularly hosts renowned DJs or has resident DJs, mention their names on your website. People often search for specific DJs, so including their names can increase your nightclub’s visibility.
Event Themes: Highlight specific event themes or special nights that your nightclub offers. Optimize your website with keywords related to these offerings. For example, use terms like “themed parties,” “ladies’ night,” “Latin night,” or “80s retro dance party.”
VIP Experience: If your nightclub offers VIP experiences, bottle service, or VIP table reservations, optimize your website with keywords related to these offerings. Use terms like “VIP nightclub experience,” “bottle service in [location],” or “VIP table bookings.”
Dress Code: If your nightclub has a specific dress code policy, mention it on your website and optimize with relevant keywords like “nightclub dress code,” “dress to impress,” or “formal attire.”
Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, or TripAdvisor. Positive reviews can improve your nightclub’s visibility in search results and attract more customers.
Local SEO: Implement local SEO strategies by optimizing your website for local search results. This includes creating and optimizing your Google My Business profile, ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information across directories, and getting listed in local online directories.
Social Media Integration: Integrate social media into your SEO strategy by linking your website to your nightclub’s social media profiles. Engage with your audience, share updates about upcoming events, and encourage user-generated content through social media channels.

Remember to conduct keyword research specific to your nightclub’s offerings and target audience. Regularly monitor your website’s performance, track keyword rankings, and adapt your SEO strategy as needed to improve your nightclub’s online visibility and attract more attendees.

Takeaway

Operators need to pay attention to SEO ranking and discovery. They need to own their listings and make sure the information is accurate.

While AI can help with keywords and search terms, it doesn’t appear to be at the point where it can manage your SEO or marketing strategy. There are platforms like Toast, Restaurant365 and SevenRooms that can make marketing simpler. However, people still do the best job.

At KRG Hospitality, for instance, we create brand strategy plans. We also partner with restaurant marketing experts like Matt Plapp and America’s Best Restaurants.

Can AI streamline tasks? Yes, it can simplify and, in some cases, take over some tasks. Can it create effective, engaging marketing strategies that perform better than those created and executed by humans? In our experience and opinion, no.

I think the answers to my SEO questions above are helpful in terms of making suggestions that operators can use today to improve their odds of being discovered by guests. And I still don’t think operators can offload marketing responsibilities to AI.

Image: Mariia Shalabaieva on Unsplash

July 10, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Seemingly Simple: The French Fry

Seemingly Simple: The French Fry

by David Klemt

We celebrate the humble French fry—at once a living legend and deceptively simple side—on Thursday, July 13, National French Fry Day.

Now, I know I tend to dive into the history, disputed or not, of a given item when a holiday comes around. However, that’s not the point of this article.

Of course, I could easily point out that this iconic item’s origins aren’t settled history. That Belgium claims ownership as of 1680. Or that Chile may have beaten Belgium by 61 years. And that France gets credit because the recipe for “modern” French fries appear in the cookbook La Cuisinière Républicaine from 1775. I’m not even going to get into the debacle that was 2003’s Freedom Fries…

Again, that’s not the point. Whether you call them French fried potatoes, French fries, fries, pomme frites, or chips, they’ve been around for anywhere from 400-plus to almost 250 years in some form.

And still they manage to confound many a cook.

We’ve all gotten an order of flaccid, cold, mushy or otherwise cheerless chips. And we’ve all managed to muscle down at least a handful of those dismal, forlorn fries, each soggy bite driving us deeper into despair.

Okay, that may be the tiniest bit dramatic. My point is, French fries are deceptively simple to get just right. And a subpar fry can—let’s face it, will—ruin a guest’s perception of a restaurant. They may return, but they’ll be apprehensive.

Fry Infatuation

If you thought maybe I’d try to create a portmanteau like “infrytuation,” I did think about it. But that would be far too silly, even for me. I wouldn’t even type such a thing out loud.

Anyway, we may not know the origin of fries or chips for a fact. But we do know that for the most part, people love a fry. Those who don’t, well, they’re not to be trusted. Should you come across such a person, grab a handful of fries—or the entire basket—and run away. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.

But why? Why do we love a fry?

Perhaps it’s the versatility. They complete many a limited-service restaurant or QSR meal. At this point, the “bag fry” is almost its own varietal.

They’re at home at a dive or neighborhood bar. But they’ll also step up and accompany a steak at a French bistro or steakhouse. Fish house, shack or upscale seafood restaurant? Please—fish and chips are a power couple comfortable in any environment.

Speaking of versatility, chips are also happy to indulge a chef or cook’s most debaucherous thoughts. A vessel to carry short rib, cheeses, and an array of seasonings? They’re down.

Of course, it’s likely that fry popularity comes down to comfort. A hit of salt, fat, heat, crispness, and creaminess? That’s at the bare minimum. Toss on some parmesan or pecorino romano and that hit of dopamine doubles, at least.

Chip Tips

One professional, personality, and purveyor who knows his way around a French fry is Chef Brian Duffy.

Indeed, he takes fries seriously. So seriously, in fact, that he has promoted Lamb Weston for several years. For the unfamiliar, America-based Lamb Weston is on of the biggest producers of French fries in the world.

One of their products, the Extra Crispy series of fries, retains crispness for 30 minutes.

Chef Duffy also understands the importance of fries. They can, as stated above, make or break a guest’s visit.

Additionally, as you can see in the Instagram post below, Chef Duffy certainly sees the humble fry as a blank canvas for experimentation.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chef Brian Duffy (@chefbriduff)

Given his strongly held views on fries, I reached out for his thoughts. And, of course, Chef Duffy didn’t disappoint. If you want to master your fries, take the Duffified approach.

Make sure you’re following Chef on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. From knife skills to thoughts on seasonings and techniques, you’ll gain helpful culinary insights. Oh, and he’s funny, too.

Duffified Fries

Elevate your French fries. Realize that they’re not “just” a side dish and therefore an afterthought.

For many brands, their fry is a calling card. That “card” can either tempt people through your doors or warn them to stay away.

Are they seasoned well?

Fries are seasoned perfectly when seasoned within 3-5 seconds of being removed from the fryer. Create a fry seasoning that has a good salt-to-seasoning ratio. My Fry base is 1 cup sea salt, 1/8 cup fresh ground black pepper, 1/2 cup onion powder, 1/4 cup garlic powder, 1/8 cup dark chili powder.

Are they crispy?

A good quality fry holds its crispiness for 10 to 15 minutes, unless it’s designed with a coating like a Crispy on Delivery^™fry from Lamb Weston that can stay crispy for up to 30 minutes. There’s nothing worse that taking that first bite and having a cold, soggy fry.

Are they hot?

A hot fry has a creaminess in the center that enhances the ultimate experience of the fry. Having that crispy exterior and creamy interior ensures a perfect fry!

Hand-cut fries.

Let’s be real: They’re amazing within the first few minutes. But anything longer than that is a soggy fry, rarely cooked perfectly due to the labor involved and the variations between the type of potato, the time of the year, and the starch to sugar content. It’s just a super inconsistent product unless it’s a huge focus for your concept. I’d stay away.

What are your sauces?

Just ketchup? Just ranch? Make up a few new dipping sauces that will assist you in creating a fry program that isn’t just as a side. Three different fry cuts and three different sauces are now a $14 appetizer that will make people happy.

Choose a fry or a fry program that matches your concept!

Is it a wedge, a concertina, a waffle, a dipper or a steak…? Choose wisely because the wrong fry can take your menu from great to, “Well, that sucked.”

Takeaway

Speaking of featuring fries as a premium appetizer that justifies a premium price, Chef Duffy has a couple of ideas.

One, a fry board. We’ve seen cheese boards, meat boards, pretzel boards… Why not fries?

Sift through Instagram and you’ll also find a Chef Duffy take on build-your-own nacho fries.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lamb Weston for Chefs (@lambweston4chefs)

Get creative. Don’t just have fries, engage your kitchen and have them build a fry program. Innovation draws people in and converts them to loyal, repeat guests while justifying premium pricing.

Image: Vincent Rivaud on Pexels

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

"Think about things differently" neon sign

July 3, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Program for Unique Holidays: July 2023

Program for Unique Holidays: July 2023

by David Klemt

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

Several holidays are set against every date on the calendar, and this month 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 June 2023 holidays list, click here.

July 5: Workaholics Day

Great bars and restaurants offer escapes from the drudgery and negativity of the rest of the world. On this day, encourage those who can step away from work to actually do so.

Barring getting workaholics to play hooky, come up with an LTO menu that’ll inspire them to at least pop by to unwind after a hard day’s work.

July 6: World Kissing Day

There are quite a few cocktails with “kiss” in the title, and these are the drinks you should use to program for this holiday.

The Kiss cocktail, for example, is a gin cocktail with Dubonnet, sweet vermouth, and Luxardo maraschino liqueur. The Widow’s Kiss consists of apple brandy, Yellow Chartreuse, Bénédictine, and Angostura bitters. In other words, it’s not difficult to celebrate this holiday through your drink menu.

July 7: Dive Bar Day

It’s difficult to beat a dive or neighborhood bar when you’re looking for a great time with friends. If you’re a dive or neighborhood bar operator, this is your day.

July 11: National Cheer Up the Lonely Day

Look, the past few years have isolated far too many of us. People are lonely, and this isolation isn’t doing anyone’s mental health any favors.

Bars and restaurants are cornerstones of their communities, so this is an excellent day to encourage people to come in, grab a bite and a drink, and try to make some new friends.

July 13: National French Fry Day

When a French fry is done right, when it’s hot with a crunchy exterior and creamy interior, it’s a perfect food. If you think your team makes amazing French fries, brag about it on social and prove it to your guests.

Better yet, this is a great day to show off your French fry skills with signature loaded versions.

July 14: National Nude Day

Unless you’re running an incredibly niche concept with excellent community and guest support, please don’t celebrate National Nude Day with nudity.

Instead, draw guests in through an enticing LTO menu. You can, for example, highlight your bar team’s prowess for creating the Naked & Famous cocktail, a mezcal cocktail made with Aperol and Yellow Chartreuse. Of course, there’s also the Porn Star Martini, along with other cocktails with names that imply nudity.

July 20: National Moon Day

It may seem like this holiday is related to the previous one, but please behave. You and your guests can celebrate Earth’s sole natural satellite via cocktails.

Not only are there drinks like the Moon cocktail (made with gin and sherry), you can also offer blue, purple, and black cocktails served with large ice cubes.

July 25: Culinarians Day

Are you proud of your kitchen team? Proud of the culinarians that are working hard to make your restaurant a success? This is the day to highlight the mastery of their craft and your signature menu items.

Alternatively, if you can afford to do so, you can also go dark on this day to give your culinary team a break.

July 28: National Get Gnarly Day

If you have some “out there” menu items, this is the day to highlight them. Do you have a food challenge? Promote it! Have some “interesting” bottles in your inventory? Promote them!

Image: Ivan Bertolazzi on Pexels

Aubrey Plaza holding a Margarita made with Cointreau

June 16, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Are You Making MargaRights or MargaWrongs?

Cointreau Wants to Know: Are You Making MargaRights?

by David Klemt

Temperatures are rising and people are socializing, so Cointreau wants to make sure you and your team make Margaritas right.

In fact, they’re so serious about Margarita specs that they’re partnering with Aubrey Plaza educate the public. To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Margarita, the iconic brand is launching the MargaRight campaign.

Challengers come and go but so far, the Margarita is the top cocktail in the US. This has been the case for many, many years. Of course, it’s also a popular cocktail around the world and has been number one in other countries as well.

Now that we’re a week away from the “official” start of summer, it’s paramount to make sure your Margaritas are MargaRight. For one thing, it’s the perfect summer sipper. For another, people are eager to socialize in restaurants and bars, and the Margarita is sure to join groups of friends as they hang out together.

But there’s another reason to ensure your Margs are on point: The wrath of Aubrey Plaza. More accurately, avoiding incurring Plaza’s wrath for putting MargaWrongs across your bar.

Margarita mix? Anger. No Cointreau? Fury.

To borrow a refrain from fanatics of another classic cocktail, it’s safe to say that Plaza would agree with, “No Margarita without Cointreau.”

The Original Margarita

Some, including Cointreau, support the belief that the Margarita’s creation traces back to 1948. For this origin story, Dallas socialite Margarita Sames is either the inventor of the Margarita or asked for a signature cocktail for a party she was hosting at her Acapulco home. Going further, another claim is that Tommy Hilton was a party guest and brought the recipe to Hilton properties, helping to make it famous.

Another claim is that the Margarita is simply a logical evolution of the Daisy. The mid-1800s tipple has a cocktail family named after it, and the Margarita, Sidecar, Cosmopolitan, and Daiquiri sprang forth from it.

Regardless of what origin story you choose to believe, Cointreau champions the original recipe: Cointreau, blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and a lime wheel to garnish. It’s this classic recipe that Cointreau and Plaza are adamant about for the MargaRight campaign.

To learn more about the MargaRight campaign and Cointreau’s celebration of the Margarita, please read the press release below. Cheers!

Cointreau and Aubrey Plaza Make Your Margarita MargaRight This Summer

Plaza celebrates summer and 75 Years of The Original Margarita

NEW YORK – June 14, 2023 – Cointreau, the iconic orange liqueur, is teaming up with Aubrey Plaza to launch a new creative campaign where the actor insists that the only way to enjoy a Margarita is the MargaRight way, and that is with Cointreau, of course.

Who better to show you MargaRight from MargaWrong than the famously irreverent Aubrey Plaza, who is known for her fearless honesty and unparalleled wit. “I love Margaritas – and the only way to make them MargaRight starts with three ingredients: Cointreau, tequila and fresh lime juice,” said Plaza. “Otherwise, it’s just MargaWrong.” Plaza continued, “This summer, you’ll only catch me ordering Margaritas MargaRight, and Cointreau will always be at any party of mine.”

Cointreau is an essential ingredient in The Original Margarita, and has been for 75 years, since Dallas socialite Margarita Sames created the recipe in 1948. In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Cointreau debuts today its largest creative campaign to-date across connected TV, digital, and social platforms. Captured in both home entertaining and bar and restaurant settings, Cointreau’s summer campaign creatively captures a comedic tone alongside its elevated style. The campaign has a range of video spots and photo stills showcasing how Margaritas should be enjoyed all summer long, always with Cointreau. To check out the NEW campaign, head to https://www.cointreau.com/us/en/whats-new/margaright.

“Cointreau has a history of cinematic storytelling with continued investment in marketing and partnering with top-tier celebrity talent, now including Aubrey Plaza,” said Nicolas Beckers, President and CEO at Rémy Cointreau America. “We want to continue to invite consumers to enjoy our brand wherever they are, and Aubrey is the perfect partner to showcase how three simple ingredients – Cointreau, tequila and fresh lime juice – are all you need to make your summer and Margarita MargaRight.”

As Margarita Sames once said, “a Margarita without Cointreau is not worth its salt.” Whether you’re ordering one at a bar or shaking it up at home, make your Margarita MargaRight and head to Cointreau.com to learn more.

The Original Margarita:

Ingredients:

1 oz. Cointreau
2 oz. Blanco tequila
1 oz. Fresh lime juice

Directions:

Rim your rocks glass with salt
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice
Shake vigorously until well chilled
Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice
Garnish with a lime wheel

About Cointreau:

Iconic orange liqueur creator and cocktail pioneer, Maison Cointreau was founded in 1849 in Angers, France. The brand’s heritage as a liquorist-distiller lives on today at the heart of more than 500 cocktails, including the original Margarita and Cosmopolitan. Cointreau liqueur’s distinctive character is the result of the meticulous selection, harmony, and distillation of sweet and bitter orange peel essences, a task entrusted to Maison Cointreau’s Master Distiller. Unique and boasting exceptional organoleptic qualities, it’s a staple for bartenders and at-home cocktail enthusiasts around the world. Visit www.cointreau.com and follow us on Instagram for more.

To learn more about Cointreau, visit www.cointreau.com or follow Cointreau on Instagram via @Cointreau_US or Facebook via @cointreauUS.

About Rémy Cointreau:

All around the world, there are clients seeking exceptional experiences; clients for whom a wide range of terroirs means a variety of flavors. Their exacting standards are proportional to our expertise – the finely-honed skills that we pass down from generation to generation. The time these clients devote to drinking our products is a tribute to all those who have worked to develop them. It is for these men and women that Rémy Cointreau, a family-owned French Group, protects its terroirs, cultivates exceptional multi-centenary spirits and undertakes to preserve their eternal modernity. The Group’s portfolio includes high-end and singular brands, such as the Rémy Martin and Louis XIII cognacs, and Cointreau liqueur. Rémy Cointreau has a single ambition: becoming the world leader in exceptional spirits. To this end, it relies on the commitment and creativity of its 1,850 employees and on its distribution subsidiaries established in the Group’s strategic markets. Rémy Cointreau is listed on Euronext Paris.

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

Image and videos courtesy of Cointreau

Martini with lemon twist on marble tabletop

June 13, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Drink Donnybrook: Let’s Talk Martini

Drink Donnybrook: Let’s Talk Martini

by David Klemt

We celebrate the Martini twice in June, once on 17th for World Martini Day, and one more opportunity on the 19th for National Martini Day.

That means you and your bar team have some time to dial in your builds and presentations.

In addition to its potential to boost revenue over the course of a few days, the Martini is also surging in popularity. As things stand in the US, the Martini is currently the top challenger to the Margarita’s crown.

There’s also the staggering number of Martinis going out each night at Bemelmans Bar in NYC: 1,000 per night. With younger legal-age drinkers driving this surge in popularity, it’s important for operators to make sure their Martinis are crowd pleasers.

Technically, this means making stirring London Dry gin and dry vermouth—perhaps a dash or two of orange bitters—for at least 20 seconds. Next, pour a crystal-clear Martini—without any shards of ice—into a Martini glass. Finally, add a lemon twist and serve gracefully.

There you have it: a perfect, classic Martini.

Now, if the instructions above make you bristle, good. Much like the Margarita, the Martini can cause fierce debate amongst bar professionals.

So, let’s have some fun now that one build is out of the way.

The Family

It’s true that really, we don’t know the exact origin of the Martini. We aren’t even certain who should get credit for its creation.

So, what if I tell you that the Manhattan and Martini are family?

A prevailing theory posits that the former is the latter’s great-grandfather. From the Manhattan we get the Martinez, from the Martinez we get the Marguerite, and from the Marguerite we get the Martini. However, some people believe the Martinez is perhaps only a distant relative and the family tree goes Manhattan – Marguerite – Martini.

At any rate, this may seem ridiculous at first. A whiskey cocktail is the great-grandfather or grandfather of a gin cocktail. Well, when we look at the common threads, yeah.

This family of cocktails shares the following traits:

a base spirit
vermouth
bitters

The Manhattan and Martinez also use maraschino or brandied cherries. The latter swaps out whiskey for Old Tom gin, and the Marguerite calls for Plymouth gin and eschews the maraschino.

As you know, the Martini swaps Plymouth gin for London Dry. Interestingly, “modern” versions of the Martini are often made without bitters, which has been happening for many decades.

Dry Vermouth?

According to some cocktail historians, the accuracy of the build above is debatable.

Technically technically, the original form of the Martini is sweet. The OG recipe calls for sweet vermouth, not dry.

That is, of course, if you choose to believe that sweet vermouth recipes you find in books from the 19th century represent the prototypical Martini.

If you’re not familiar with the Perfect Martini variant, it’s an interesting compromise, in a way. For this particular version we use equal parts sweet and dry vermouth. Someone kicking off a quarrel over original Martini specs? Put a Perfect Martini in front of them and see if their head explodes or they abandon their argument.

Vodka?

Again, technically, a Vodka Martini is a riff on the original recipe.

Whereas we can (reasonably) trace the original Martini back to the late 1800s, the vodka version shows up in the 1950s.

So, if that’s an accurate timeline, the Gin Martini’s vodka-based sibling doesn’t appear for 60 to 70 years after its genesis.

To build a classic Vodka Martini, we simply swap out the gin for vodka. The rest of the specs can remain the same, save for some guests preferring an olive or cocktail onion as a garnish.

Of course, now that we’re on the topic of swaps and specs, ratios play an important role when making a Martini. Bars and bartenders often play around with the ratio of gin or vodka to vermouth.

In fact, there’s can be a fairly large swing depending on the bar or bartender. Some bartenders may build their Martinis with a 4:1 ration, and others may go 8:1 or greater.

Still others leave the vermouth out altogether. That can really start a knock-down, drag-out Martini feud.

Check this Out

With the Martini crash course over, here are a few “fun facts” for you to savor.

Neither the Espresso Martini nor the (in)famous Cosmopolitan are true Martinis. While we serve them in the Martini glass and one has “Martini” in its name, that’s where their relation to the original ends.

Once again using the qualifier “technically,” the Espresso Martini is an alias. It’s real identity is Vodka Espresso.

If we really want to throw a debate haymaker, the Espresso Martini and Cosmopolitan aren’t even kin to the Gin or Vodka Martini. Neither uses vermouth, meaning they’re don’t claim the same family tree. In reality, the Cosmo belongs to the sour family.

Finally, one more fun tidbit to toss into this debate, should you find yourself arguing Martinis. The Reverse Martini is more of a sibling to the original than the Espresso Martini. After all, it’s still a combination of spirit and vermouth. It’s just that the vermouth is the star of the show, often utilizing a 2:1 ratio, vermouth to gin.

So, there you have it. Enough information to cause a friendly “fight” over Martini history, specs, and family members. Cheers!

Image: Rick Barrett on Unsplash

Martinis at Bemelmans Bar inside the Carlyle hotel in New York City

June 9, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Own Your Team’s Excellence

Own Your Team’s Excellence

by David Klemt

If you and your team are producing an incredible food or drink item, don’t just be proud—make it your signature and own it.

As Chef Brian Duffy says during his demos and speaking engagements, people can eat and drink anywhere. Further, with just a handful of major food suppliers operating throughout North America, operators are using much of the same ingredients.

With that in mind, then, it’s crucial that operators and their teams innovate. Doing so ensures that hospitality professionals are staying current on consumer demands and trends; constantly seeking be educated and share information; and making sure their business stands out from others.

A commitment to standing out can also motivate a team to elevate their techniques. In turn, they can truly “own” an item. Creating something incredible—and replicating it order after order consistently—can become a brand and team’s calling card.

Does your kitchen team turn out a fantastic signature burger? Has your business become known as the place for chicken wings because of your kitchen team?

Has your bar team perfected the Margarita? Are they so good at crafting Frozen Irish Coffees that your bar is on Glendalough Distillery‘s radar?

When you identify what your team is producing at an extraordinary level, you need to make certain you loudly own it.

A Real-world Example

For a high-level example of what I’m talking about, we can look at the Carlyle in New York City.

This landmark Rosewood Hotel is known for delivering peerless service. However, a venue inside this sophisticated resort is known for a specific item.

Bemelmans Bar, an escape from the hectic streets of New York, is known for the Martinis the bar team produces. (They’re also known for their red jackets, but those aren’t for sale.)

It may be a bold statement considering the level of bars and cocktails in the city, but Bemelmans Bar (and therefore the Carlyle) owns the Martini in NYC. In fact, the bar serves a staggering 1,000 Martinis a night. More often than not, the Martinis that cross the bar or leave the service well are dirty or extra dirty. This has been the case since at least 2021.

So famous are the Bemelmans’ Martinis that the Carlyle sells an at-home kit, yours for just $395. It’s their latest promotion, though, that makes it evident Bemelmans and the Carlyle are taking ownership of the Martini.

Guests of the Carlyle can now book their Martini Retreat, a two-day experience that centers around their signature cocktail. If, perhaps, you think that $400 is a bit steep for their Martini Box, prepare for true sticker shock. The Martini Retreat experience starts at $4,895 for two guests.

However, the package is rather impressive and encapsulates the Carlyle’s ownership of the Martini. The Carlyle Martini Retreat includes:

a two-night stay in a Madison Room or Premier Suite;
a Bemelmans Bar Martini Box;
enrollment in the Bemelmans Master Martini Class (valued at $495), a 45-minute experience during which guests learn how the bar team crafts multiple variations of vodka and gin Martinis, and their new Madeline’s Vesper cocktail;
a two-course Martini lunch at Dowling’s at The Carlyle; and
a curated list of where to go to try other great Martinis throughout NYC, put together by Dimitrios Michalopoulos, bar manager at Bemelmans.

Takeaway

So, am I suggesting that operators create an experience that costs thousands of dollars? Well…I mean, if your concept can succeed with such a promotion, absolutely. If doing so would resonate with enough guests to make it feasible and become a steady (and impressive) revenue stream, go for it.

However, what I’m really attempting to drive home here is the power of becoming known for even a single signature item. And, hey—your item, in your market, may be the Martini.

Owning an item means screaming from the rooftops and hills that it’s yours. That your team’s version is the one to have; the one people in the know have to have. Taking ownership of your team’s excellence translates to becoming a destination for it, to driving repeat visits once people have experienced it.

Of course, with that ownership comes the responsibility to elevate all other elements of your business. Every other item on the menu must be produced and served at the highest level. This ensures the entire guest experience wows the guests, and the signature item is essentially a driver and the cherry on top.

It’s time to review what your team produces so well that your brand owns it. Should this introspection yield no results, it’s then time to see what other operators are known for and discover what item or items you and your team can improve upon. What’s something that works with your brand that you feel confident you and your team can own?

There’s power, money, and long-term success in something on your menu. It’s time to uncover it and take ownership.

Image: The Carlyle

June 1, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Program for Unique Holidays: June 2023

Program for Unique Holidays: June 2023

by David Klemt

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

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

For our May 2023 holidays list, click here.

June 3: National Repeat Day

This holiday is the perfect time to encourage guests to buy the ever-important second drink. Likewise, it’s the right day for encouraging people to order a dish or two to take home.

June 8: World Oceans Day

Leaders around the world are committed to the 30×30 initiative: protecting 30 percent of our oceans, waterways, and land by 2030. World Oceans Day is about focusing on this initiative, which people can do, in part, by filling out this short survey.

You and your guests can also support the oceans and conservation efforts by supporting brands like Gray Whale Gin. This award-winning gin is produced with sustainable, ethically, and locally-procured ingredients. Additionally, Gray Whale supports Oceana and 1% for the Planet by donating a portion of their proceeds.

June 10: National Black Cow Day

For those who may not know, a Black Cow is a float. It’s incredibly simple to make: drop a scoop of vanilla ice cream into a mug, add root beer.

Of course, you can also get creative with the Black Cow. One way is to make an adult version, perhaps with a vodka like Vodkow, or a cream liqueur like Vodkow Cream. Another option is to feature craft root beer and local vanilla ice cream.

June 13: National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day

Look, some people just aren’t great cooks. Some aren’t good in the kitchen. In fact, some aren’t even mediocre when it comes to cooking—they’re complete disasters.

Luckily, you probably have a kitchen inside your venue. So, give the not-so-great cooks in your area a reprieve from cooking with excellent lunch and dinner LTOs.

June 14: National Bourbon Day

Hey, do you have bourbon? At the risk of being too assumptive, I bet you do. Guess what you should do on this holiday.

June 16: National Take Back the Lunch Break Day

What a perfect day to motivate people to have lunch in your venue. It’s also a great day to motivate people to order delivery, carryout or pickup from you.

June 21: National Daylight Appreciation Day

This holiday does exactly what it says on the tin, as they say: it celebrates daylight. Venues that take advantage of sunlight—great windows, garage-style roll-up doors, amazing patios—should do what they can to entice guests to visit in the morning and afternoon. So, small-bite and lunch LTOs and promotions; sessionable beer, wine, and cocktails; and healthy, refreshing zero-proof beverages are the order of the day.

June 26: National Coconut Day

Summer and coconut go hand in hand. An LTO menu that shines a light on summery drinks and bites is the perfect way to celebrate the coconut.

Feel free to rile up guests by asking them a “simple” question: Is a coconut a fruit, a nut, a seed, or a drupe?

June 27: National Onion Day

Onion rings. Onion dip. Bacon-onion bites. Onion pinwheels… And those are just appetizers. The humble onion is, as we all know, a powerhouse in the kitchen. For some, onions are also cocktail garnishes.

I think you know what to do on National Onion Day.

June 28: Tau Day

For the most part, we’re taught in school that Pi—a circle’s circumference divided by its diameter—is rounded to 3.14. Pi Day is March 14 each year and the holiday (and mathematical constant) tends to get the meme treatment.

Well, some believe Pi is incorrect. Instead, these people use the constant Tau, which is a circle’s circumference divided by its radius. Tau, with a value of 6.28, is celebrated on June 28. One of the simplest ways to celebrate this holiday is to enjoy twice the amount of pie as one would normally. So, a smart promotion that celebrates Tau Day could be one that encourages couples to come in to enjoy two slices of pie for dessert.

Image: Ivan Bertolazzi on Pexels

Black and white photo of person using laptop

May 24, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Your Discovery Strategy Needs to Change

Your Discovery Strategy Needs to Change

by David Klemt

A report by guest retention, reservation, and waitlist platform SevenRooms reveals that restaurant discovery is changing.

Per SevenRooms, many operators have looked toward third-party marketplaces to help people discover their restaurants, bars, or hotels. For context, online marketplaces include OpenTable, Resy, and GrubHub.

However, SevenRooms research is indicating a significant slowdown in this method of discovery. Per the platform, just a quarter of consumers still use marketplaces to find restaurants and bars.

So, how are people discovering the places where they want to spend their time and money on food and drinks? And how can you ensure your marketing and discovery strategy evolves alongside today’s consumer behavior? You’ll find out below.

For your own copy of Restaurant Discovery Has Changed: Adapt or Risk Becoming Obsolete by SevenRooms, click here.

Where are Your Guests?

It should come as no surprise that today’s consumer favors social media, influencers, Google, and even artificial intelligence for discovery.

Younger consumers in particular are more likely to discover a new restaurant, bar or hotel via social media.

Per SevenRooms, Gen Z:

is twice as likely as other generations to find a new restaurant via Instagram;
five times as likely to discover new restaurants on TikTok; and
is likely to visit a new restaurant due to an influencer recommending it.

In fact, 39 percent of consumers designated Gen Z have gone to a restaurant because an influencer has gone there.

When conducting this type of research, SevenRooms often works with YouGov. They did so again for their restaurant discovery report, commissioning YouGov to poll 1,185 consumers. Participants indicated they use the following methods or platforms to discover new places to dine and drink:

Google (27%)
Restaurant’s website (25%)
Referral (friends or family) (18%)
Facebook (12%)
Yelp (11%)
OpenTable (9%)
Instagram (8%)
TikTok (5%)
TripAdvisor (4%)
Resy (1%)

Three things jump out here: Organic search is crucial, websites still matter, and delivering top-notch service is paramount for word-of-mouth marketing.

Leverage Multiple Channels

If the data is accurate, operators who are relying exclusively or heavily on third-party marketplaces for discovery will be left behind. Instead, operators should seek to implement a multi- or omni-channel strategy.

What does omni-channel mean? In very simple terms, it’s not putting all of one’s eggs in one basket. Check out this article where I dive into omni-channel marketing and tactics for more information.

For their report, SevenRooms breaks omni-channel marketing and discovery thusly:

Owned reservation, waitlist, and ordering channels
Search and social engagment channels
Paid channels

It’s clear what SevenRooms is suggesting here: operators must adapt and meet guests where they are. Guests are relying on Google, a restaurant’s website, and social media for discovery.

The example that the platform gives in their report goes like this:

A consumer uses Google and finds a restaurant’s listing.
Next, they see a Facebook ad for that restaurant.
Finally, they decide to go to the restaurant’s website to learn more.

To that, I’ll add that some guests, those who prefer to order delivery, now seek an ordering widget. It’s wise, therefore, for operators to at least look into how they can implement direct delivery.

The Omni-channel Path

SevenRooms recommends a five-prong omni-channel strategy. Broken down into large chunks, the platform suggests:

Google integration;
social media engagement;
leveraging third-party marketplaces (with caveats);
owning direct channels; and
direct booking.

Again, this SevenRooms report can be downloaded here. However, I’ll share some details of this SevenRooms approach to discovery below.

Google Integration

SevenRooms isn’t the only one to say this: operators need to own and optimize their Google listing. In fact, they need to own all their listings, which I’ve said for years.

Owning listings boosts discoverability in several ways: SEO optimization, leveraging “near me” search functions, and ensuring guests are receiving accurate information before visiting.

Going further, operators who have marketing budgets can leverage Google ads. According to SevenRooms, Google search ads are also beneficial for becoming discoverable via third-party marketplaces.

Social Media

We’re fast approaching the day when at least half of consumers try a new restaurant or bar because they discovered it on social media. Right now, we’re at 45 percent of consumers finding new restaurants via these channels.

SevenRooms recommends having a presence on at least these channels: TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. What’s more, they suggest using a direct reservation page and linking it to a “Reserve Now” button on a venue’s social profiles.

If an operator has the budget, they can pay for influencers to visit and talk about their restaurant, bar or hotel. However, this type of marketing can be very expensive.

Third-party Marketplace

This “prong” in SevenRooms’ recommended omni-channel strategy isn’t for every operator. As stated above, it’s use is nuanced.

Who should use marketplaces? New venues or venues that find themselves struggling to drive traffic.

Who shouldn’t use marketplaces? Venues seeing consistently strong traffic, and those that perform well via organic search because they’ve done the work to establish their brand.

Direct Channels

To explain this element, I’ll share the following “journey map” from the SevenRooms report:

Own and optimize the Google My Business listing > Ensure the website is user-friendly > Make sure there’s a reservation widget > Send a confirmation email when a guest has booked a reservation > Send a reminder SMS message > Nail the guest experience during their visit > Send a thank you email after the visit > Follow up with a personalized (keyword here) offer to encourage a repeat visit.

Remember, per Ovation CEO Zack Oates, 70 percent of first-time guests don’t come back. It’s more important than ever to invest in earning repeat visits.

Direct Booking

It’s arguable that this step is part of the overall discovery strategy, that it’s a four-prong plan, not five.

However, this step involves implementing its own strategy so that guests become aware of it. Put another way, some guests need to be taught that a restaurant or bar offers direct reservation booking.

For example, SevenRooms suggests printing menu inserts that let guests know they can book directly with the restaurant. Follow-up emails should also include a direct reservation link. Additionally, loyalty programs should encourage guests to book reservations directly.

Finally, here’s an excellent tip regarding direct booking: Operators can turn off listings or at least reduce reservation inventory on third-party marketplaces. This should be done during the busiest days and dayparts.

Operators need to make sure they keep up with shifting consumer behavior. The implementation of a modern discovery strategy is a crucial step toward long-term success.

Image: Sergey Zolkin on Unsplash

Mint Julep in copper Woodford Reserve cup

May 23, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Sugar. Water. Whiskey. Mint.

Sugar. Water. Whiskey. Mint.

by David Klemt

…and sometimes Angostura bitters.

Get ready to break out the stainless steel and copper cups, whiskey, and crushed ice: National Mint Julep Day is right around the corner.

This classic cocktail’s traditional time to shine—Derby Day—has come and gone. However, we celebrate this ice-cold drink on May 30. This year, FYI, this bar and restaurant holiday falls on a Tuesday.

While many people associate the Mint Julep with the Kentucky Derby and the South, the drink traces its origin to Persia. According to some historians—the fun experts who love researching culinary and drinking history—”julep” is a derivation of “julepe,” which derives from “golâb.” “Julepe” is a Spanish Arabic word that comes from “golâb,” a Persian word that translates to “rosewater.” As one might expect from the translation, golâb was a drink made by combining water with rose petals.

Over time, it’s believed, the rose petals were replaced by people making Juleps in the Mediterranean. The replacement? Mint leaves native to the area.

Eventually, like so many centuries-old drinks, medicinal elements were introduced. The English Julep, for example, added alcohol and camphor. To think, there are decades of human history where doctors prescribed cocktails to patients.

The Kentucky Connection

Of course, like so many centuries-old drinks, it’s difficult to separate the fictitious from the factual. Some say mentions of the Mint Julep can be traced to 1770s, others say the early 1800s.

As far as the Kentucky connection, there are historians that say Henry Clay, who served as a Kentucky senator and congressman, brought the Mint Julep to Washington, DC in 1850. Clay is said to have shared the recipe with the Round Robin Bar at the Willard’s Hotel (now the Willard InterContinental). The hotel’s website makes reference to this part of the Mint Julep’s history (or legend, as it were).

Chris Morris, Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve for 20 years and now the distillery’s Master Distillery Emeritus, supports the idea, historically, that the Mint Julep was a medicinal cocktail.

“The Mint Julep has a long history, and in the 1800s it was considered a morning drink,” Morris has said. “People working on horse farms or in the horse-racing industry during this time period may wake up with aches and pains.”

It’s safe to say Morris and Woodford know their way around a Mint Julep.

Further, if you dig deep enough, you’ll come across mentions of horse jockeys taking home Julep cups as trophies. Literal trophy cups, if you will.

Consequently, given its ties to horse racing, it makes sense that the Mint Julep would one day become the Kentucky Derby‘s official drink. Of course, as this brief and (hopefully mostly) factual history shows, the Mint Julep undoubtedly had a presence at the famous race long before 1939.

Craft Your Own

Below you’ll find two recipes for your National Mint Julep Day LTO menu. However, this is one classic that people don’t seem to gatekeep much.

In fact, industry experts like Chris Morris encourage experimentation and creation of signature Mint Juleps. So, engage your bar and culinary teams, highlight flavors authentic to your menu and brand, and come up with your own variation.

To help you get started, bear in mind that while spearmint is a common ingredient, there are other species of mint available. The base spirit can also be substituted. Per some cocktail historians, genever-powered Mint Juleps were a common variation in the 1800s.

There’s nothing wrong with sticking to tradition. However, the Mint Julep practically begs for experimentation. Flavored syrups, all manner of spirits and liqueurs, garnishes… National Mint Julep Day is perfect for the LTO treatment.

Cheers!

Mint Julep

2 oz. Bourbon
0.25 oz. Simple syrup
6 to 8 Mint leaves
Mint sprig to garnish
Angostura bitters to garnish (optional)
Crushed or shaved ice

Add simple syrup and mint leaves to Julep cup, and muddle. Next, add bourbon and crushed or shaved ice. Tightly pack ice in cup, then stir until frost builds on exterior of Julep cup. Top with more crushed or shaved ice, and form a dome on top of cup. Add mint sprig to garnish. If desired, also garnish with two or three drops of Angostura bitters.

Woodford Reserve Secretariat’s Mint Julep

This recipe is for the special Mint Julep served at this year’s Kentucky Derby.

2 oz. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
1 oz. Housemade chestnut liqueur
1 sprig of Mint, for garnish
1 stalk of Virginia bluebells, for garnish

Pack a Julep cup with crushed ice, making sure to make a dome over the lip of the cup. Add the whiskey and liqueur to a mixing glass and stir. Pour over the prepared cup. Garnish with one sprig of mint and one stalk of Virginia bluebells.

Should you prefer a more traditional build, express the oils of a mint leaf inside the cup. Add the bourbon, chestnut liqueur, and crushed ice. Garnish with more crushed ice, mint, and Virginia bluebells, then serve.

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