Sports | KRG Hospitality

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

January 9, 2023by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Minimum Wage Rises for Most of USA

Minimum Wage Rises for Most of USA

by David Klemt

More than half of the states across America are either now seeing a boost to minimum wage or plan to increase the hourly minimum by the middle of this year.

In total, minimum wage is up in 27 states. However, the rise isn’t yet in place in a handful of states, including Nevada.

Now, the federal minimum wage still has yet to go up. That rate remains at $7.25 per hour, where it has been since 2009. For the curious, if a person works 40 hours per week and is compensated at the federal minimum rate, that’s just over $15,000 per year—before taxes.

Per Motley Fool: “If we factor in inflation, [federal minimum wage] would have had to grow to $10.20 to let people buy the same amount of goods and services today [as in 2009]. In real terms, the current minimum wage has shrunk by almost 30% since it was set.”

You’ll see below that I didn’t list the increases for tipped workers. As an operator, you should already be well aware of the minimum rate your tipped workers must be paid. In all likelihood, your suite of software is already updated to the current requirements (but check yourself to be certain).

The list will provide an idea of what you’re up against. It’s difficult to recruit rock stars if you’re unable to offer wages above minimum wage, never mind at minimum wage.

Today, for most workers, the minimum isn’t going to cut it. So, when you’re looking at what you can offer, keep in mind the minimum wage for both tipped and un-tipped workers in your area.

Also, know what other operators are paying. To remain competitive, consider what else you can offer, including your values and culture.

States Increasing Minimum Wage

Below, the states with an increase to the minimum wage. Rather than organize the list by hourly rate or rate of increase, I set it up alphabetically.

Alaska: $10.85 per hour
Arizona: $13.85 per hour
California: $15.50 per hour
Colorado: $13.65 per hour
Connecticut: $15 per hour (June 1)
Delaware: $11.75 per hour
Florida: $11 per hour (September 30)
Hawaii: $12 per hour
Illinois: $13 per hour
Maine: $13.80 per hour
Maryland: $13.25 per hour
Massachusetts: $15 per hour
Michigan: $10.10 per hour (could rise further; lawsuit pending)
Minnesota: $8.63 per hour (small employer); $10.59 per hour (large employer)
Missouri: $12 per hour
Montana: $9.95 per hour
Nebraska: $10.50 per hour
Nevada: $11.25 per hour (July 1)
New Jersey: $14.13 per hour
New Mexico: $12 per hour
New York: $14.20 per hour (excluding some areas); $15 per hour for fast food workers
Ohio: $10.10 per hour
Rhode Island: $13 per hour
South Dakota: $10.80 per hour
Vermont: $13.18 per hour
Virginia: $12 per hour
Washington: $15.74 per hour

Among the states on the list above, four are lifting minimum wage to at least $15. Those states are Connecticut, Massachusetts, California, and Washington. Additionally, the minimum wage is $15 per hour in parts of New York.

Interestingly, employers in Nevada can reduce the minimum wage by one dollar if they pay qualifying health insurance. In such a case, the hourly minimum will be $10.25.

Only one of these states, Montana, will remain under $10.

Cities, Counties, Districts

As stated above, some parts of New York have a minimum wage higher than $14.20.

There are also cities, counties, and districts boosting the minimum wage.

Denver, Colorado: $17.29 per hour
Long Island, New York: $15 per hour
New York City, New York: $15 per hour
Washington, DC: $16.50 per hour
Westchester County, New York: $15 per hour

Overall, more than half the country either already increased the minimum wage or will do so later this year.

Image: Adam Nir on Unsplash

White Claw Ruby Grapefruit and pizza poolside

August 30, 2021by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

How to Use RTDs for LTOs

How to Use RTDs for LTOs

by David Klemt

The RTD, aka ready-to-drink, category continues to grow and gain greater market share, particularly in the US.

However, the common association with RTDs is that consumers mostly drink them at home.

That begs a simple question: How can operators generate revenue with this popular, in-demand beverage category?

Massive Growth

Unsurprisingly, the RTD cocktail category is still one the rise.

These drinks are convenient. New brands come to market regularly. They tend to fall in line with rising consumer desire for lower-ABV options. And many brands speak to consumer desires—sustainability and outdoor interests, for example—via their visions and missions.

Per the IWSR, the US leads the charge when it comes to demand for RTDs. North America as a whole is driving growth.

However, the category grew 43 percent globally in 2020 alone. According to multiple sources, RTDs are worth USD $782.8 million. Projections have the category more than doubling by 2028: $1.7 billion.

Tequila and gin RTDs appear to be the most popular within the category, but rum, whiskey, and vodka are also growing.

So, what’s the point of all these numbers? Operators need to know what consumers are drinking and leverage that demand for the benefit of their businesses.

Simple LTOs

One of the most obvious ways to deliver on RTDs is to treat it like beer. Add a “Canned Cocktails” section and list your options. Or, hey, do what some venues do and add White Claw and other RTDs to the beer list.

After all, millions of people order canned beers every day in restaurants, bars, hotels, and entertainment and sports venues.

However, there are guests who perceive ordering an RTD instead of a traditional cocktail at a bar as a sub-par experience.

The bartender, after all, is just popping a top and handing over a can.

One way to elevate the experience is via limited-time offers. A great example comes from Nickel City, which has two locations in Texas: Austin and Fort Worth.

The award-winning neighborhood bar offers a monthly Boilermaker, and this month’s was the Rise & Shine:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nickel City (@nickelcityatx)

As you can see, a High Noon Grapefruit Vodka Soda comes with a 50/50 pour of Aperol and Altos Tequila for just $8.

Other restaurants and bars—with vessels large enough—are offering riffs on the Corona-rita with RTDs. The bar team builds the cocktail as usual, then inverts and inserts the RTD.

Such a drink can certainly be leveraged via monthly LTOs.

There are a few keys to succeeding with RTDs: understanding your guests, knowing your market, and getting creative. Guests willing to spend on the RTDs they enjoy at home while at your restaurant or bar? Great. Guests unwilling unless there’s added value? Convene your bar team and tap their creativity.

Image: Maria Oswalt on Unsplash

April 27, 2021by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

2021 Kentucky Derby Drink Recipes

2021 Kentucky Derby Drink Recipes

by David Klemt

The 2021 Kentucky Derby takes place this Saturday, May 1. These cool drinks are perfect for the hottest two minutes in sports.

This year, the unbeaten Essential Quality is the favorite to win the 147th Run for the Roses. Hot Rod Charlie, Rock Your World, and Medina Spirit are also in consideration.

Personally, given the subject of this article—bourbon cocktails—we’d like to see Bourbonic take the first race in the Triple Crown.

Since Woodford Reserve is the official Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, you can’t go wrong with the Woodford cocktails below.

Of course, the 2021 Woodford Reserve Derby Bottle makes these Derby drinks taste that much better.

Cheers!

Woodford Mint Julep

Recipe courtesy of Woodford Reserve

This is the traditional Derby Day cocktail. Churchill Downs will be pouring gallons of this classic.

2 oz. Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey
1/2 oz. Simple syrup
3 Fresh mint leaves
Powdered sugar
Crushed ice

Express the essential oils in the mint and rub them inside the glass (or a Julep cup, ideally). Add simple syrup, bourbon, and crushed ice. Stir, then garnish with more ice, fresh mint, and powdered sugar.

Mint Julep made with Woodford Reserve by Michael Toscano

NYC Mint Julep

Recipe by Michael Toscano, Woodford Reserve Brand Ambassador

As loyal Bar Hacks podcast listeners may already know, Michael Toscano knows his way around an irresistible Mint Julep. When you’re done with this article, click here to listen to Episode 32 of Bar Hacks with Toscano.

2 oz. Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Bourbon
1/2 oz. Simple syrup
6-8 Blackberries
Mint leaves
Crushed ice

Muddle six blackberries with simple syrup and a healthy bunch of mint leaves (eight to ten). Add two ounces of Woodford Reserve Bourbon and fill the Julep cup with crushed ice. Stir and lift ice until the Julep cup is frosted. Garnish with two blackberries and a fresh sprig of mint.

Note: To build this cocktail precisely as Michael recommends on our podcast, add 1.5 ounces of Woodford to the Julep cup over crushed ice. Add more ice to create a mound on top of the cup, then float the remaining half-ounce of bourbon. Finish with a healthy dusting of powdered sugar and either nutmeg of powdered chocolate.

Woodford Spire Kentucky Derby cocktail

Woodford Spire

Recipe courtesy of Woodford Reserve

Some people may not know that this is the Official Cocktail of the Kentucky Derby. Most assume that title goes to the Mint Julep.

1.5 parts Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey
2 parts Lemonade
1 part Cranberry juice
Crushed ice
Lemon twist to garnish

In a mixing glass, mix Woodford Reserve, lemonade and cranberry juice with a bar spoon. Pour into a copper cup, add crushed ice to the top of the glass, and serve with a lemon twist.

Zero-proof Woodford Spire

Recipe courtesy of Woodford Reserve

Those choosing to enjoy Kentucky Derby festivities without alcohol will appreciate this refreshing drink.

2 parts Lemonade
2 parts Unsweetened iced tea
1 part Cranberry juice
Lemon twist to garnish
Crushed ice

Prepare and serve the same as the full-proof Spire.

Images: Woodford Reserve / Brown-Forman

January 25, 2021by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

February’s Big Game Presents an Opportunity for Operators

February’s Big Game Presents an Opportunity for Operators

by David Klemt

The most American of sporting events goes down on February 7.

This season’s Super Bowl match-up was decided yesterday.

In the NFC Championship game, the 14-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by Tom Brady, defeated Aaron Rodgers and the 14-4 Green Bay Packers. The game was close, with the Bucs winning 31 to 26.

Later in the day, Patrick Mahomes and the 16-2 Kansas City Chiefs, led by Josh Allen, knocked the 15-4 Buffalo Bills out of the championship game yesterday, beating them 38-24. That 14-point win clinched the AFC Championship for the Chiefs.

The final contest of the season will take place on February 7 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 PM EST.

2020 marked an unusual 101st season for the NFL. Making it even more unique is the fact that the 2021 Super Bowl marks the first time in history that a team competing in the big game will play at their own stadium.

Super Bowl LV is the third NFL Championship game to be played at Raymond James Stadium and the fifth to take place in Tampa. The Weeknd will headline the halftime show.

Another unique development concerns Super Bowl advertising. Reportedly, Budweiser, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Little Caesars, Ford, Hyundai, Avocados From Mexico, and Olay won’t be running ads during this year’s game.

The pandemic, unemployment, and political division have been cited as reasons some corporations have decided to pass on Super Bowl LV. Several companies don’t believe it’s possible to produce and air a commercial that won’t offend and be met with backlash.

Operators who have yet to finalize their Super Bowl promotions need to jump on that now. Of course, state Covid-19 protocols will play a major role in big game planning.

For example, Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to “relax” California’s stay-at-home restrictions later today. It has been reported that restaurants will be permitted to offer outdoor dining. Of course, local officials could impose limits on businesses, so California operators must monitor the situation closely.

Football fans and people who are simply eager to get out of their homes will likely flock to any restaurant, bar, brewery or distillery able to host an in-person Super Bowl event.

While that represents opportunities to generate revenue—and possibly turn a much-needed profit—it’s important that operators work within their mandated pandemic guidelines. Businesses hosting Super Bowl parties should expect to face increased scrutiny and must be as prepared as possible to avoid fines, shutdowns or suspended licenses.

That said, delivery and takeout packages programmed around the Super Bowl will likely be attractive to customers. Pizza, chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, burgers, snacks and other popular items should be considered for packages. Click here for our coverage of the top delivery items for 2020 and 2021 predictions.

One other word of caution: The NFL is notoriously protective—and litigious—when it comes to their branding. Operators must keep that in mind when promoting Super Bowl events and specials.

Avoid mentioning the NFL, both teams, and the term Super Bowl when marketing February 7’s event. For years, “the big game” has been the go-to to avoid legal trouble. (We’re not attorneys, so proceed with caution when advertising the Super Bowl as this warning doesn’t constitute legal advice.)

Operators have a real opportunity to ring their registers in two weeks. Be informed, be creative, be fun, and be cautious but optimistic.

Image: 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay