Tasting room

Server walking through restaurant carrying tray
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

4 Tips for Recruiting and Retention

4 Tips for Recruiting and Retention

by David Klemt

Server walking through restaurant carrying tray

Operators seeking to survive and thrive despite the Great Resignation can give themselves an edge with these four concepts.

Attract New Talent

KRG Hospitality president Doug Radkey doesn’t find the struggle to fill restaurant, bar and hotel positions all that shocking.

Why? Because too many operators post generic, cookie-cutter job listings. Doing what everyone else is doing has never been advisable for those looking to stand out.

Instead, Doug suggests a more unique approach to job ads, an approach that helps operators stand above the competition.

Step one is avoiding banal listing language:

  • “Are you friendly, energetic, and highly motivated?”
  • “Are you an experienced and enthusiastic [insert position]?”
  • “The ideal candidate must work well in a fast-paced environment and be a team player.”
  • List of basic job tasks.

Instead, Doug suggests the following:

  • Hire for values rather than experience. Training addresses systems and standards, not personality and drive.
  • Operators should be transparent about their core values, company culture, and potential for growth.
  • Showcase the approach to inclusivity, diversity, acceptance, and flexibility. That is, if that’s authentic. If not, that’s a flashing, neon red flag that requires addressing.
  • Offer a living wage, benefits, potential for personal growth, and education.
  • Produce a video of team members sharing why they work at the company. This must be genuine and honest.

Demand creates competition. Innovation beats the competition.

Actually Onboard New Hires

So, an operator adjusts their approach to filling open positions. They recruit and hire promising employees.

Sadly, it’s common for new hires in hospitality and foodservice to leave in just a few months. Rather than accept this as the norm, operators have a tool at their disposal for improving employee retention: Onboarding.

Too many operators think the next step after hiring someone is providing a start date, showing them the front- and back-of-house, and hoping things will work out.

Well, hope isn’t a strategy.

The next step after hiring someone is onboarding and should include the following:

  • Complete all pertinent paperwork and setting up access to systems. If applicable, set up direct deposit.
  • Provide new hire with detailed employee handbook. If there isn’t one yet, that must be addressed.
  • Share the story of the business (history, area, etc.) and workplace culture.
  • Outline expectations: Policies, rules and responsibilities.
  • Explain benefits, such as health insurance and mentorship opportunities.
  • Provide training and assign shadowing.
  • Deliver feedback on trained tasks.

The above list obviously has room for more onboarding tasks. Operators should create a physical onboarding checklist. Also, they should require the person or people tasked with onboarding to complete and sign off the checklist (even if that person is the operator).

Nail recruiting, hiring and onboarding and word will get out. The result? Hiring gets easier and turnover decreases.

Focus on Workplace Culture

Doug addressed workplace culture and the labor shortage on Bar Hacks bonus episode number 16.

Simply put, operators need to take an honest look at their culture.

Is it inclusive and accepting? Transparent and nurturing? Do employees feel comfortable bringing up workplace issues? (More on that last one below.)

Hospitality is fast-paced and demanding—owners and managers shouldn’t add to the stress.

Why would anyone want to work in for someone who isn’t going to treat them and their coworkers with respect, mentor them and nurture their career, and value their input?

It’s every operator’s responsibility to be good stewards of hospitality professionals’ passion for this industry. We do them a disservice when we turn a blind eye to an unhealthy workplace culture that has taken hold, crushing their love of his business and driving them away.

Value Employee Feedback

Yes, guest feedback is valuable. However, so is feedback from employees.

It’s important for operators to remember not to focus solely on guests.

True, a business isn’t a business without customers. Equally true: It’s not a business without employees.

So, operators should foster a work environment in which employees feel comfortable sharing honest feedback. This is, of course, where culture comes into play.

If employees don’t feel safe sharing their opinions and suggestions, operators won’t truly know what it’s like to work for them. Without that feedback, employee turnover will skyrocket, recruiting and hiring will be an endless struggle, and the guest experience will suffer.

We all know what happens if guests pick up on an uncomfortable restaurant, bar or hotel environment: They don’t return.

Operators can’t expect their businesses to thrive (or just survive) if they focus solely on guests.

Putting these concepts to work can help operators succeed despite the Great Resignation of 2021.

Image: Shangyou Shi on Unsplash

Shots of tequila surrounded by lime wedges and salt
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

10 Bottles for National Tequila Day

10 Bottles for National Tequila Day

by David Klemt

Shots of tequila surrounded by lime wedges and salt

This Saturday we celebrate the world’s most famous agave spirit: the one and only tequila.

National Tequila Day takes place this weekend on July 24.

Of course, there are still those out there who view tequila as a low-quality, high-proof spirit that leads to bad decisions.

Luckily, years of education are turning that around. People across the world are now aware of high-quality sipping tequilas.

Those in the know are drinking better, although that doesn’t preclude them from making bad choices afterward. Indeed, we can no longer blame the tequila, only ignorance of higher quality expressions.

Just like we did for bourbon and Lambrusco, we’ve rounded up bottles operators should consider for National Tequila Day and beyond.

Cheers!

Blanco

Arguably the tequila most people associate with cheap shots and cocktails. Distillers don’t age blanco and they bottle the liquid soon after distillation. However, the explosion in the growth of tequila brings with it new brands and higher standards. Many blancos taste excellent and make great cocktails.

Mijenta Blanco

This blanco represents the antithesis of the mainstream stereotype of blanco tequilas. Tequilera Maestro (Tequila Master) Ana Maria Romero approaches the process of making Mijenta Blanco with the same care and attention to detail as she does reposado.

Teremana Blanco

Yes, this is a “celebrity tequila.” Yes, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson owns Teremana. Being a celebrity spirit doesn’t discredit the quality of this brand. Teremana Blanco is a silver tequila that aims to drink like a luxury expression.

Joven

An interesting and rare (currently) category, joven is unaged tequila blended with one or more aged expressions.

Viva XXXII Joven

Described as a “modern sipping” expression by the distillery, Viva XXXII Joven is made with estate-grown blanco and the brand’s extra añejo. Expect crisp flavors of lemon peel, yerba buena (an aromatic mint), and white pepper.

Casa Dragones Joven

When Casa Dragones first entered the market in 2009, this was their debut expression. Five years later, they released their first blanco. In the case of Casa Dragones Joven, blanco was blended with extra añejo. Not only is it proper to include one of the first joven tequilas on the market on this list, this expression has earned its place.

Reposado

Combine the bold flavors of younger blanco tequila with the smooth, refined characteristics of aged añejo. That will give you an idea of what to expect with a reposado, which is aged between two and twelve months. Equal capable in shots and cocktails or for sitting and sipping.

Volcán De Mi Tierra Reposado

Made from agaves that take well over 3,000 days to ripen, Volcán Reposado captures the terroir of the state of Jalisco. The liquid is aged in American and European oak barrels, which helps to make this a smooth expression.

Clase Azul Reposado

Arguably the most recognized bottle on the back of any bar. Clase Azul Reposado draws the eyes of guests with its unique appearance and keeps them coming back with its unique flavor profile and incredible smoothness.

Añejo

This category must be aged for one to three years in oak. Of course, añejo can be enjoyed as a shot or in a cocktail, just like any spirit can be. However, these tequilas are often best when sipped slowly to appreciate every flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel characteristic.

El Tesoro Añejo

This añejo is aged between two and three years in ex-bourbon barrels. The result is intriguing, to the say the least: Master Distiller Carlos Camarena says El Tesoro Añejo, due to vanilla and maple notes, would pair well with pancakes.

Casa Dragones Barrel Blend

Known as a small-batch producer of luxury blanco and joven tequilas, Casa Dragones is finally producing an añejo. Casa Dragones Barrel Blend is aged in Quercus Sessile French oak and new American oak barrels, both of which undergo custom toasting. The result is a smooth, luxurious sipper with spice, oak, berry, and agave notes.

Extra Añejo

Once a distiller passes the three-year mark aging tequila, they have free reign to experiment. The extra añejo category is where people find truly unique and rare (and expensive, of course) expressions.

Herradura Selección Suprema

It may interest people to know that Herradura gets the credit for creating both the reposado and extra añejo categories. So, it’s only fitting that they be on this list in one of those categories. Herradura Selección Suprema rests for 49 months—four years and one month—in American white oak barrels.

Tears of Llorona No. 3 Extra Añejo

Master Distiller Germán González initially created Tears of Llorona to for his friends and family. However, the five-year-old extra añejo Maestro Gonzalez produces are sometimes made available to the public. The current private stock offering, Tears of Llorona No. 3, is aged in Scotch, brandy, and sherry oak barrels.

Image: Xavier Espinosa from Pixabay

Flipping through an open book
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

5 Books to Read this Month: July

5 Books to Read this Month: July

by David Klemt

Flipping through an open book

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

To review last month’s book recommendations, click here.

Let’s dive in!

Tequila & Tacos: A Guide to Spirited Pairings

This pairing is iconic. However, this book proves the legendary pair can go well beyond just munching on a street taco and slamming a tequila shot. Moreover, Tequila & Tacos includes recipes for both classic tacos and modern versions like spicy cauliflower tacos. The perfect book to help you celebrate National Tequila Day on July 24.

A Long Stride

Just days after National Tequila Day comes National Scotch Day, which takes place July 27. A Long Stride tells the in-depth story of one Scotch in particular: Johnnie Walker. Published toward the end of last year, this book represents the most up-to-date history of arguably the most famous Scotch brand in the world.

Zero Proof: 90 Non-Alcoholic Recipes for Mindful Drinking

Temporary and permanent abstinence from alcohol is becoming more and more commonplace. That doesn’t mean, however, that people who aren’t drinking alcohol are staying out of bars. So, it’s important that operators update their drink programs with creative and memorable zero-proof cocktails. Zero Proof contains 90 alcohol-free recipes to inspire you to develop your non-alcohol menu section.

Playing with Fire

Summer is here and that means barbecue! Interestingly, though, many of today’s chefs have felt the siren song of cooking on open fire for a while now. Playing with Fire features 72 of Chef Michael Symon’s favorite recipes inspired by St. Louis, Memphis, Nashville, Kansas City, and other famous barbecue styles.

How to Grill Vegetables: The New Bible for Barbecuing Vegetables over Live Fire

Steven Raichlen has been dubbed “America’s master griller, and for good reason: there’s likely nothing he doesn’t know about barbecuing. In How to Grill Vegetables, Raichlen shows how to grill basically every vegetable over fire. This book features more than 100 recipes and explains how to grill eggplant on cedar planks, smoke lettuce with hay, cook whole onions directly on embers, and much more.

Image: Mikołaj on Unsplash

Stay Weird neon sign with purple background
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Stand Out with Weird Holidays: July

Stand Out with Weird Holidays: July

by David Klemt

Stay Weird neon sign with purple background

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

Several “holidays” are set against every date on the calendar, and July is no exception. These holidays range from mainstream to food-centric to weird.

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

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

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

For last month’s list, click here.

July 1: International Joke Day

Kicking things off this month is a fun one: International Joke Day.

July 7: National Dive Bar Day

This category of bar is one of our favorites. Whether you operate a dive bar, neighborhood bar or corner bar, this is your day.

July 8: Video Games Day

This is not to be confused with National Video Game Day, which takes place September 12. This bar holiday is perfect for all the barcades and eatertainment venues out there. Or, for cool restaurants and bars that have a video game system or arcade game or two inside.

July 11: National Cheer Up the Lonely Day

Nearly the entirety of 2020 and the first half of 2021 have been challenging, to say the absolute least. It’s safe to say that we’re all quite a bit lonely. On this holiday, provide a fun and safe environment for people to get back out there, socialize, and meet new friends.

July 12: National Simplicity Day

There’s nothing wrong with complex cocktail builds. However, today is the perfect holiday to highlight the simpler two- and three-ingredient cocktails on your menu. Simple, speedy, and delicious.

July 13: National Delaware Day

Of course, this isn’t a weird holiday to people who live in Delaware. For those outside the Diamond State, this is the time to showcase Delaware brands like Dog Fish Head.

July 15: National Give Something Away Day

We’re not huge fans of outright giveaways unless said giveaway items come from a partner or sponsor. However, operators can certainly come up with a creative food or beverage giveaway that requires a purchase.

July 17: National Tattoo Day

Operators can prepare for this holiday by partnering with a local tattoo shop and creating a traffic-driving promo with them.

July 20: National Pennsylvania Day

Again, this isn’t weird to Pennsylvanians. Operators outside the Keystone State should feature brands like Philadelphia Distilling and Victory Brewing Co.

July 22: National Refreshment Day

If it’s cold and refreshing, shout it from your rooftop. It’s July, it’s hot out, and people need to know you’ve got ice cold beer, cocktails, and soft drinks.

Image: Dan Parlante on Unsplash

Hand holding United States of America passport
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Third-party Vaccine Passports on the Way

Third-party Vaccine Passports on the Way

by David Klemt

Hand holding United States of America passport

Operators will likely have to further wade into politics if so-called “vaccine passports” become standard.

If recent reporting is accurate, several platforms will bring vaccine passports to market.

The hospitality, lodging and travel industries have been thrust into politics since for several years now. Unfortunately, the pandemic has only made the situation more precarious.

Dangerous Waters

For many operators, navigating today’s politically-charged atmosphere is an unwelcome development.

It’s bad enough that hospitality, lodging and travel have been thrown into utter chaos for well over a year. America and Canada have lost tens of thousands of restaurants and bars. Operators able to survive have lost millions of workers.

Too many people have lost jobs, savings, homes, and any sense of stability in their lives. Mental health, as a result, is on the decline for many people.

Unfortunately, all of those awful things are being exacerbated by politics. In America in particular (if reports are accurate), politics have severely divided the country.

Covid-19 safety protocols were politicized immediately. Restaurant, bar, hotel and travel workers found themselves playing pandemic police, putting them in dangerous situations.

If vaccine passports become standard, operators will find themselves deeper in the political quagmire. Workers will likely face a greater risk for confrontations with hostile guests.

What’s a Vaccine Passport?

In short, a vaccine passport is a way for someone to prove they’ve received a Covid-19 vaccine.

Per recent reports, the Biden administration has said they have no plan to implement federal vaccine passports.

However, several states have already banned this form of proof of vaccination. These include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Montana, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah (but private companies can require workers to get vaccinated), and Wyoming.

So far, two states—Hawaii and New York—have implemented vaccine passports. As far as the other states, vaccine passports are not a requirement or haven’t been banned yet.

New York’s vaccine passport, Excelsior Pass, was developed by IBM. A vaccinated New York resident downloads the app, a business owner downloads the scanner app, and vaccination status can be confirmed. Similar apps are believed to be in the works.

Again, however, many states have banned these apps.

What Does this Mean for Businesses?

If vaccine passports are banned fully where an operator does business, the decision has been made for them.

However, some bans relate only to government entities—businesses can require proof of vaccination.

And if a state doesn’t prohibit vaccine passports at all? The situation can be even more challenging for operators.

Operators eager to protect their workers and guests from infection may welcome vaccine passports. Some operators may feel these passports are an invasion of privacy and reject them. Still others may view them as a potential source for harassment and discrimination.

Should an operator require vaccine passports, they should expect backlash that could directly impact business. Operators who prohibit the use the vaccine passports may be viewed as “irresponsible” and also face backlash

Once again, the pandemic has put operators in several industries in no-win situations. Operators should consider their vaccine passport plan and the messaging around it now.

Image: Levi Ventura on Unsplash

"Yes, we're open" sign in restaurant or bar window
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Update Your Business Info Now!

Update Your Business Info Now!

by David Klemt

"Yes, we're open" sign in restaurant or bar window

Restrictions are relaxing and people are returning to at least a form of their pre-pandemic lives. Operators need to review and update their information.

People face a flood of confusing or vague information every day—restaurants and bars don’t need to add to it.

In other words, operators need to make sure guests are getting accurate information when they search for their businesses.

This is particularly relevant right now with summer upon us and Father’s Day in two days.

Are You Open?

Cities, states and provinces are opening things up throughout North America.

In Canada, British Columbia, Ontario, and other provinces are in the midst of reopening plans and. Some provinces are also reopening their borders to their Canadian neighboris. Some restrictions remain and provinces aren’t fully open, but they’re on their way.

And in America, more than half of states are considered open fully: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin.

Restrictions that remain in place in some provinces and states relate to dining. For example, outdoor dining returned to Ontario, Canada, a few days ahead of schedule. Unsurprisingly, people flocked to restaurants and bars with outdoor dining areas.

Of course, that’s a long-overdue and welcome development. However, such relaxing of restrictions exposes an issue: People aren’t sure if businesses are open, what hours they’re open, and what menu items are available.

Update Your Information

It should go without saying but I’ll say it anyway: The past 15 months have been a horror show for operators.

So, it’s understandable that some operational discipline has slipped. Now’s the time to fix that and focus on the details.

Guests want to know what restaurants and bars are open. They want to know when they’re open. And they don’t want any surprises about menu item availability.

Of course, operators can manually review and update or edit their online listings. An operator can also task a manager or worker with that responsibility.

There are also platforms out there that make updating pertinent business information a much less overwhelming job.

Marqii, a paid service with three pricing tiers, manages several important details quickly and easily. Operators can use Marqii to update their menus across more than 75 sites; manage their location data, including hours of operation; and review and respond to reviews across several platforms, depending on the tier chosen.

Packages are priced per location and a business is charged monthly. There are similar solutions out there but Marqii is a great place to start.

We live and operate in the Convenience Era. Make it easy for your guests to visit and spend their money with you.

Image: Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Black "Hustle" coffee cup on desk
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Guest Journey: Acquire, Engage, Retain

Guest Journey: Acquire, Engage, Retain

by David Klemt

Black "Hustle" coffee cup on desk

What if you could change your operational mindset for the better in the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee?

SevenRooms is confident they can help you do exactly that.

The SevenRooms Coffee Break series tackles one important operational element per 20-minute webinar.

Time for a Coffee Break?

It’s no secret that we’re fans of SevenRooms here at KRG Hospitality. In addition to supporting the actual platform, we’re always eager to share their data-driven reports and insights.

CEO Joel Montaniel is the guest on episode 24 of our Bar Hacks podcast. (You can—and should—listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.)

Given how much SevenRooms values collecting and sharing data that can improve operations industry-wide, it’s not a surprise that they also offer informative webinars.

So far, there are three webinars in the Coffee Break series. And, of course, each shares a way that operators can improve their business.

That’s certainly welcome as we emerge from stay-at-home orders, ease restrictions, and welcome more guests.

The current entries focus on what SevenRooms is dubbing the Restaurant Renaissance. As Doug Radkey, president of KRG Hospitality says, we can take two paths leading to the post-pandemic world.

One, we can recognize that the industry needs an overhaul, making improvements for operators, workers and guests.

Two, we can learn nothing, do nothing, and watch the industry collapse.

Restaurant Renaissance

Call it what you prefer: the Restaurant Renaissance. The New Roaring Twenties. Re-emergence. The New Normal. The Post-pandemic World.

Sure, it’s cool to have a catchy label to slap onto unique eras. It’s better to have a clear plan and path for moving forward.

To that end, SevenRooms identifies four key factors driving what they’re calling the Restaurant Renaissance:

  • Vaccines
  • Warmer weather
  • Pent-up consumer demand
  • Restrictions lifting

Alexa Detzi, director of Enterprise Success at SevenRooms, addresses these elements in the first Coffee Break webinar, “Acquire.”

We’ve said many times that operators need to prepare for an explosion in consumer demand and guest traffic. In addition, we’ve made it clear that we’ll most likely experience a severe drop-off in traffic after the initial demand wanes.

Of course, there are several ways things might play out in the New Normal. However, huge traffic in many markets followed by a drop makes the most sense.

Get Ready

The first three SevenRooms Coffee Break webinars focus on the guest journey:

I highly recommend signing up and watching each webinar, sooner rather than later. Guests are already being subjected to a cacophony of marketing overtures—you need to cut through the noise.

We Want to Help You

Like SevenRooms, KRG Hospitality is dedicated to helping operators.

If you’re seeking to open a new business, whether your first venue or an expansion, should also download our 2021 Restaurant Start-up Cost Guide & Checklist.

And for operators looking more direct and guided assistance for improving your business, we also offer KRG Mindset.

Next time you have 15 or 20 minutes to yourself, check out our Solutions and Resources pages, reach out, and let’s set up your Roadmap to Success.

Image: Garrhet Sampson on Unsplash

Sparkling red wine in wine glass with condensation
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

5 Bottles for June 21, World Lambrusco Day

5 Bottles for June 21, World Lambrusco Day

by David Klemt

Sparkling red wine in wine glass with condensation

On June 21, the world celebrates one of Italy’s most-famous wines, the oft-misunderstood and maligned Lambrusco.

Now, some people of a certain age chuckle and roll their eyes when someone mentions Lambrusco. After all, the most (in)famous example throughout North America was Riunite.

Of course, I mean no disrespect to that particular producer. It’s just that the world is aware of other Lambrusco labels.

People also now know much more about wine in general and Lambrusco specifically. And they know it’s not always a sweet, sparkling wine.

Lambrusco 101

Much like many, many other wines, Lambrusco is a protected designation. Think Champagne, Prosecco or Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Lambrusco comes from five regions in Northern Italy: four in Emilia-Romagna and one in Lombardy. Cheese fans may know Emilia-Romagna for its Parmigiano Reggiano cheese production.

The five denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) regions each produce distinct styles of Lambrusco with their own unique characteristics.

For example, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro from Modena are the most-tannic of these wines. They also tend to be dark purple in color.

In contrast, some Lambrusco Reggiano wines are lighter in color. These Lambruscos also tend to be sweeter on the palate and more floral on the nose.

Lambrusco di Sorbara produces perhaps the most unique Lambrusco, such as rosè.

Most Lambrusco is semi-sparkling, or frizzante, owing to winemakers using the ancestral, traditional or Charmat methods of production.

Modern Outlook

For decades, most North Americans were only aware of Lambrusco from Riunite. Therefore, North Americans only knew Lambrusco as a cloyingly sweet, fizzy Italian wine.

Of course, many people love sweet. So many, in fact, that the term “sweet sells” is well-known among beverage managers.

However, today’s consumer doesn’t necessarily want to drink what their parents or grandparents drink. And while they may not dislike sweet outright, they want to experience different flavor profiles.

For these consumers, bartenders, bar managers, servers, and floor managers should be aware of a few important Lambrusco label terms:

  • Dolce: This is the sweetest Lambrusco.
  • Amabile: Medium-sweet wines not quite as sweet as dolce.
  • Semisecco: The most common Lambrusco, off-dry wines that aren’t as sweet as amabile or dolce.
  • Secco: Dry Lambrusco with balance and savory notes in addition to fruit on the palate.

Lambrusco is a great alternative to Champagne, Prosecco and other sparkling wines in the summer. In particular, those with patios should push their guests to try it.

Where to Start

Like I said, I’m not bashing Riunite—the label has been around for quite some time.

But for those who want to fill out their wine menus, these bottles are worth a look. I’ve chosen one bottle from each of Italy’s five Lambrusco DOCs.

Fondo Bozzole ‘Incantabiss’ Lambrusco Mantovano

From the Lombardy region. A soft wine with mineral notes balance the fruit (strawberry in particular).

Vigneto SaettiRosso Viola 2019

From the Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce region. This bottle would definitely draw some eyes as it’s brought to a table. Dry with smoothness balanced by assertive tannins. Black cherry, red berries, and violet.

Lini 910 Lambrusco Rosso Labrusca Reggiano (non-vintage)

91 points from Vinous. Blueberry and strawberry on the nose and palate. I have to say, the label is pretty cool.

Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Amabile Centenario (non-vintage)

Speaking of labels, I can see where this bottle would be mistaken for Champagne. Semi-sweet and smooth with lots of fruit on the nose and palate.

Paltrinieri “Radice” Lambrusco di Sorbara (non-vintage)

High acid lends itself to this wine’s significant brightness. Along with strawberry, expect grapefruit and watermelon notes.

Image: Dirk Wohlrabe from Pixabay

Stay Weird neon sign with purple background
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Stand Out with Weird Holidays: June

Stand Out with Weird Holidays: June

by David Klemt

Stay Weird neon sign with purple background

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

Several “holidays” are set against every date on the calendar, and June is no exception. These holidays range from mainstream to food-centric to weird.

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

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

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

For last month’s list, click here.

June 3: National Egg Day

How are your sour cocktails? Celebrate the egg on this day by featuring your egg white-powered drinks.

June 7: National VCR Day

Leverage nostalgia by showcasing an outdated way to enjoy movies and TV shows. If you really want to immerse yourself and your guests in this holiday, find a VCR and some movies on VHS, come up with some themed cocktails, and lure in nostalgia-thirsty guests. (Make sure you have the proper licenses in place to play music, movies, TV shows, etc.)

June 8: National Name Your Poison Day

Talk about a perfect holiday for a bar! This is an excellent day to design a call promotion around or to highlight your bar team’s ability to create delicious cocktails on the fly based on guests’ spirits preferences.

June 13: International Axe Throwing Day

Are you one of the operators who has introduced axe throwing to your restaurant, bar or eatertainment venue? Then do we have the holiday for you and your guests…

June 16: Bloomsday

This holiday honors revered Irish writer James Joyce. The story goes that Joyce’s favorite dram was Jameson, so get those bottles and specials ready.

June 18: National Splurge Day

Have some high-dollar spirits, beers, wines and dishes? Promote them loudly on this day and encourage your guests to truly treat themselves.

June 24: National Bomb Pop Day

There’s more than one way to celebrate this fun, refreshing and nostalgic holiday. For instance, there are various versions of the Bomb Pop cocktail. Another example is offering housemade boozy Bomb Pops. And then you can always simply garnish drinks with Bomb Pops.

June 25: National Take Your Dog to Work Day

If you have a dog-friendly restaurant, bar or lounge, encourage people who have brought their dogs to work to pop in for a well-deserved bite and drink.

June 30: Social Media Day

Feel like your social media savvy could use some work? Want your guests to plaster your business all over social? Use this holiday to improve your social media skills, add followers, and increase engagement with the help of the people who support your business.

Image: Dan Parlante on Unsplash

Prairie Dash mobile game from High West and American Prairie
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Play with High West, Protect the Plains

Play with High West, Protect the Plains

by David Klemt

Prairie Dash mobile game from High West and American Prairie

For a limited time, you can help help protect the Great Plains of Montana just by playing a fun mobile game.

High West and American Prairie are partnering for a short time to raise $50,000.

The money from playing Prairie Dash will go toward conserving Montana’s Great Plains.

A Dash of Conservation

High West has long been supportive of conservation efforts throughout the West. For every game of Prairie Dash people play, the distillery will donate $1 to American Prairie, up to $50,000.

Proceeds from sales of High West American Prairie Bourbon from the distillery’s online store or Drizly will also go to American Prairie.

The game is simple but, of course, challenging to play. Using your thumbs, you’re trying to get a pronghorn to its actual, real-world top speed: 61 MPH.

Interesting aside you can share this month while you’re serving guests or out for a drink, the pronghorn is known as the American antelope. However, the Great Plains mammal is most closely related to giraffes.

Each time you get the pronghorn to its top speed, you’ll be presented with a different obstacle-clearing challenge.

The Leaderboard

Players are given a number of entries depending on their scores. So, the higher you score, the more entries you’ll have the opportunity to submit.

The prize, beyond helping conserve the West during Outdoors Month, is incredible.

One winner will head to High West’s distillery in Park City, Utah, for a one-of-a-kind, curated experience.

So, click this link to play Prairie Dash—the game will only be available through the end of June.

“We are committed to celebrating and conserving the beauty and nature of the West, the place we call home. With the launch of Prairie Dash, we’re excited to bring that mission to life and provide both High West loyalists and new brand fans with a chance to take part in the efforts,” says High West general manager Daniel Schear. “American Prairie is truly one of the most fantastic projects of our time, and it’s been an honor to work alongside their team to protect today’s Western habitats for future generations to come. We invite our community to join in on the movement, too, all while enjoying a little friendly competition and sipping on one of our favorites, American Prairie Bourbon.”

Good luck! See you on the leaderboard.

Image courtesy of High West

Flipping through an open book
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

5 Books to Read this Month: June

5 Books to Read this Month: June

by David Klemt

Flipping through an open book

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

To review last month’s book recommendations, click here.

Let’s dive in!

The Japanese Art of the Cocktail

Available as of today, this is the first cocktail book written by Masahiro Urushido, the award-winning bartender from NYC’s Katana Kitten. After just one year with Urushido at the helm, Katana Kitten took home a 2019 Spirited Award. The Japanese Art of the Cocktail features 80 recipes and serves as a deep dive into a unique approach to cocktails and technique.

Hennessy: A Toast to the World’s Preeminent Spirit

In a nod to today’s episode of the Bar Hacks podcast, we’re happy to share this amazing book that has something between its covers for everyone. Hennessy is equal parts history, humor, lifestyle, recipes, and illustrative and photographic work of art. Shepard Fairey, Nas, Fab 5 Freddy, and others contribute stories and insights in this amazing bar book.

Cocktail Dive Bar

The subtitle of this recently published book is “Real Drinks, Fake History, and Questionable Advice,” which should tell you this is going to be a fun read. In Cocktail Dive Bar, T. Cole Newton, the operator behind NOLA’s Twelve Mile Limit, mixes classic and original cocktail recipes with essays, advice and coloring book elements. Bars are supposed to be fun, and this book is a welcome reminder of that fact.

Mezcal and Tequila Cocktails: Mixed Drinks for the Golden Age of Agave

Robert Simonson is a New York Times writer and James Beard Award-nominated author who has written an impressive amount of cocktail and spirits books. His latest, Mezcal and Tequila Cocktails, shares more than 60 recipes that feature—you guessed it—mezcal and tequila. Most of the recipes aren’t at all complicated but they’re still full of agave flavor and an array of profiles. Whether you’re a neophyte or an aficionado, this book is for you.

Bar Hacks: Developing The Fundamentals for an Epic Bar

Yep, I’m 0nce again promoting a book from KRG Hospitality president Doug Radkey. Hey, I didn’t mention one last month, so cut me some slack. Bar Hacks is Doug’s first book and the title of the eponymous, KRG-produced podcast. Looking to hone the fundamentals? Want to develop effective strategies? Eager to open or grow a profitable, scalable, sustainable, consistent and memorable venue in one of the most cut-throat industries in the world? Grab this book today!

Image: Mikołaj on Unsplash

Piggy bank wearing a face mask
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Tell the Government to Refill the RRF

Tell the Government to Refill the RRF

by David Klemt

Piggy bank wearing a face mask

The National Restaurant Association is urging restaurant, bar and other hospitality operators to sign a Restaurant Revitalization Fund petition.

Put concisely, the NRA’s petition asks the federal government to replenish the RRF.

Grants are going out and there’s no guarantee the $28.6 billion fund is enough for every eligible business. Therefore, the NRA is calling for more funds.

The Petition

Now, there is good news regarding the RRF. Per the Small Business Administration, 21,000 applicants have received $2.7 billion in grants.

However, when one considers that well over 180,000 grant applications were submitted within the first 48 hours, the $28.6 billion will more than likely run out before every eligible business receives a grant. The first 16,000 grants alone total $2 billion.

According to one source, priority applications carry a value of approximately $29 billion. Obviously, that’s more money than is in the fund.

And that’s only the value of applications receiving priority for the first 21 days. Clearly, more funding is necessary.

As the NRA’s petition states, “We are urging policymakers in Washington—from the White House to Capitol Hill—to replenish the RRF to maximize relief for small independent and franchise restaurant operators. Americans can’t wait to get back into their favorite restaurant with their family and friends, and the federal government can play a key role in making that a reality.”

Click here to sign the NRA’s petition. Our industry is the hardest hit by the pandemic and every eligible business deserves funding.

It’s not that this industry isn’t grateful—it’s that hundreds of thousands of businesses are fighting to stay alive. They’ve been doing so for more than a year.

The RRF

The SBA’s RRF portal link is https://restaurants.sba.gov. Alternatively, operations can use a POS that’s an SBA partner to apply. Partner systems include Clover, NCR, Square, and Toast.

According to the SBA website, certain eligible entities will be given priority.

For the first 21 days the application process is open, priority will go to small businesses with a minimum of 51 percent ownership by women, veterans or socially disadvantaged people.

The application process should open to every applicant on Monday, May 24. For more in-depth information, operators can follow the appropriate links to review the Small Business Administration’s RRF program guide and sample application.

Applicants do not need to register with SAM.gov (System for Award Management) or provide DUNS or CAGE identifiers.

To calculate a grant amount, an applicant subtracts 2020 gross receipts from 2019 gross receipts. Applicants must deduct first-draw PPP and second-draw PPP loans. Any economic disaster loans—Economic Injury Disaster Loans, for example—are not RRF deductions.

Again, please click here to sign the NRA’s petition today.

Image: Konstantin Evdokimov on Unsplash

Covid-19 vaccine vials
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Can You Fire Staff for Refusing Vaccine?

Can You Fire Staff for Refusing Vaccine?

by David Klemt

Covid-19 vaccine vials

Can an employer terminate a staff member’s employment for refusing the Covid-19 vaccine? Current court cases seek an answer to that question.

Conversely, there are bills up for consideration in some states that aim to ban vaccine mandates.

Therefore, the current answer to the question of whether employer vaccine mandates are legal isn’t clear, yet.

It’s also important to note that this question is up for legal examination in Canada and America.

Are Employers Really Mandating Vaccines?

Of course. Well, some are. And it’s bound to continue until the question has been tested in court.

Looking at Canada, Ontario’s Ministry of Labour says employers can, in fact, make vaccines mandatory. They can also (for now, at least) demand proof of vaccination from their employees. Failing to answer the question or lying about can result in an employee losing their job.

However, the ministry acknowledges that legal and ethical issues come hand in hand with blanket vaccination mandates.

In America, the issue is no less thorny, to put it mildly.

Per a survey by Arizona State University and the Rockefeller Foundation, almost 90 percent of employers in the USA (and UK) have plans to “encourage or require vaccination for employees.”

Encouraging, of course, stands in stark contrast to requiring in a legal, ethical and moral sense.

That same survey suggests that most US employers—two-thirds—plan to use vaccination incentives rather than mandates. However, 44 percent say they’ll implement mandates if incentives don’t work. Just one-third of survey respondents say they don’t intend to require vaccinations as a term of employment.

Legal Challenges

Vaccine requirements and credentials (“vaccine passports”) have been banned in Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Montana, Texas and South Dakota.

Bills have been introduced in at least half of American states that seek to “limit mandatory COVID-19 vaccines,” per the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Lawsuits have been filed by workers in various industries in several states, including New Mexico and California.

It’s likely just a matter of time until the Supreme Court of the United States is at least asked to settle the matter of vaccine mandates.

Currently, attorneys and agencies say that employers need to inform employees of the consequences for refusing Covid-19 vaccination, including loss of employment; put a vaccination policy in place and communicate it with all employees; and include religious and medical exemptions.

That said, this matter is a long way from settled.

Could vs. Should

One thing is clear: It’s not clear yet whether employers can terminate employees for refusing vaccination. We can expect a flurry of lawsuits either way.

However, it’s important that operators realize this isn’t solely a legal question. This is in no small part a leadership question, and it’s a tough one.

As the saying goes, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

Operators must consider the ramifications of vaccine mandates. Moving forward, some guests may only support businesses that require vaccination for staff. Conversely, some guests may find such a requirement discriminatory and offensive, and they may boycott businesses with vaccine mandates.

It’s a difficult position for operators and staff. Our industry puts employees and the public in direct, close contact with each other. Team members are likewise in very close quarters. Close interactions for prolonged periods can spread any number of viruses, not just Covid-19.

The instinct to protect staff, their family and friends, and the public is common among operators. The past twelve-plus months have strengthened that resolve.

Incentivizing Instead

Requiring vaccination may exacerbate the current labor shortage.

Yes, there are some employees and potential new hires who will feel more comfortable knowing their coworkers have been vaccinated. However, there are also people who will refuse to work for an employer who requires vaccination. A mandate could damage recruiting severely as word gets around.

It’s reasonable to suggest that operators are best off implementing a vaccination incentive program rather than a mandate. Most people would likely agree that encouragement rather than requirement, at least regarding this topic, shows greater emotional intelligence, a cornerstone of leadership.

The CEO of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas reportedly hit their minimum goal of an 80-percent vaccination rate among staff last week. The resort’s incentive program offered bonus payments (among other incentives) for vaccinated employees set up in tiers:

  • 60 Percent Vaccination Rate: $50
  • 70 Percent Vaccination Rate: $100
  • 80 Percent Vaccination Rate: $250
  • 90 Percent Vaccination Rate: $350
  • 100 Percent Vaccination Rate: $500

That program helped the company hit their goal in just a few weeks. Operators can certainly use the Cosmo as a model for encouraging vaccinations instead of requiring them. Ultimately, the choice is up to the individual operator. It isn’t an easy one.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as legal or other advice. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor does any information constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law. This information is of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of a specific individual or entity. The reader of this information alone assumes the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information before making any decisions based on such information.

Image: Braňo on Unsplash

Grand re-opening sign
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Which States are Reopening this Summer?

Which States are Reopening this Summer?

by David Klemt

Grand re-opening sign

Around one-third of America’s population is vaccinated fully and some states are easing restrictions.

Per the CDC, not exactly America’s favorite agency, more than 40 percent of Americans have received one Covid-19 vaccine shot. Just over 30 percent have completed the vaccine process.

So, which states are planning to reopen fully for Summer 2021? We have a list of some of the states that have made their plans to reopen 100 percent known so far.

California

The Golden State plans to reopen fully on June 15. According to doctors at the University of California San Francisco, the state is nearing herd immunity. However, Governor Gavin Newsom’s target date relies on two criteria:

  • Vaccine supply must be sufficient enough “for Californians 16 years and older who wish to” receive inoculation.
  • Hospitalization rates must remain low and stable.

Illinois

Per Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the plan is for the city of Chicago to be open 100 percent by July 4. Of course, that means reopening fully right in time for one of the biggest celebratory holidays of the year. However, Governor J.B. Pritzker says Illinois could reopen in as early as the start or middle of June.

Nevada

Governor Steve Sisolak plans for Nevada to reopen fully on June 1. That said, casinos in the Silver State have a slightly different timeline. With the exception of nightclubs, dayclubs and live performances, casinos will open 100 percent June 4 if all requirements are met.

New York

According to Mayor Bill de Blasio, the plan is to reopen New York City on July 1. Governor Andrew Cuomo hopes to reopen New York State fully before that date.

Texas

Governor Greg Abbott opened the state 100 percent back in March. However, judges in the state’s 22 counties still have the authority to impose Covid-19 mitigation strategies. Hospitalization rates in a particular county rising above 15-percent hospital bed capacity for seven days would be a triggering event.

As the vaccine rollout continues, it’s likely we’ll see more states announce Summer 2021 reopening plans. Still, operators should proceed with caution and remain in compliance with state, county and local Covid-19 rules. This is, after all, a fluid situation.

There’s light at the end of the tunnel but now’s not the time to be complacent.

Image: Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Flipping through an open book
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

5 Books to Read this Month: May

5 Books to Read this Month: May

by David Klemt

Flipping through an open book

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

To review last month’s book recommendations, click here.

Let’s dive in!

Trejo’s Tacos: Recipes and Stories from L.A.

Who doesn’t love Danny Trejo? His story is inspiring, his IMDB page is full of memorable characters, and he’s got fast-casual restaurants and a coffee shop. Trejo’s cookbook features 75 recipes and tons of insight into the man himself.

Which Fork Do I Use with My Bourbon?

Learn how to organize and execute an awesome tasting from Peggy Noe Stevens, the first female master bourbon taster in the world and founder of the Bourbon Women Association, and Susan Reigler, a prolific bourbon correspondent and author. Which Fork Do I Use with My Bourbon? includes tips, recipes and more for pulling off a great bourbon-centric event.

Zero: A New Approach to Non-Alcoholic Drinks

From the unique minds behind the ultra-creative Aviary cocktail bar comes Zero. If you’re looking to elevate your non-alcohol menu and approach to creating zero-proof drinks, this is the book for you. In addition to about 100 recipes, this book shares insights into Chef Grant Achatz’s culinary approach to cocktails, whether low-, zero- or full-proof.

Finding Fire: Cooking at its Most Elemental

Like Bar Hacks podcast guest Chef Brian Duffy said on episode 33, we’re fully in a comfort food zone. We’re also back to the fundamentals and simple techniques. When it comes to cooking, nothing is more fundamental than using fire. Chef Lennox Hastie dives deep into cooking with fire and provides 80 recipes in Finding Fire.

How to Listen with Intention

There’s a misconception among many business owners and managers that leadership is just delegating and issuing orders. Too many people forget that listening is a key element of leadership. Patrick King’s book How to Listen with Intention aims to change our mindset so we view listening as a superpower.

Image: Mikołaj on Unsplash 

Stay Weird neon sign with purple background
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Stand Out with Weird Holidays: May

Stand Out with Weird Holidays: May

by David Klemt

Stay Weird neon sign with purple background

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

Several “holidays” are set against every date on the calendar, and May is no exception. These holidays range from mainstream to food-centric to weird.

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

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

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

For last month’s list, click here.

May 5: National Totally Chipotle Day

It’s not just Cinco de Mayo today, it’s National Totally Chipotle Day! Two guesses as to what pepper this holiday celebrates…

May 6: World Password Day

This holiday exists to encourage people to consider their privacy and make sure their passwords are secure. Of course, operators can make this holiday more fun than mundane. One simple way is to come up with and share a password guests can use for food or drink specials. Speakeasy operators, today’s your day!

May 9: National Sleepover Day

What pairs well with sleepovers? Food, drinks, pajamas and movies. And what pairs well with warming weather and the comfort levels of today’s guests? Patios and other outdoor areas. Show a movie outside, encourage pajamas, create fun and comforting F&B offerings… This is a fun one.

May 20: National Pick Strawberries Day

The perfect day to feature cocktails that call for strawberry garnishes. And if there was ever a holiday practically built for featuring Snoop Dogg‘s new strawberry-flavored Indoggo Gin, this is it.

May 21: National Bike to Work Day

As the story goes, the radler was invented in the 1920s by a Bavarian tavern owner. A group of cyclists stopped by looking to quench their thirsts with beer. The tavern owner didn’t have enough, so he added sparkling lemonade to his kegs. Eurkea, the radler was born.

This is the perfect day to pay homage to the radler and reward people for biking to work.

May 22: National Craft Distillery Day

One of the best days to program promotions around local and hyper-local spirits.

May 25: National Brown-Bag It Day

Looking for a simple and fun way to celebrate this weird holiday? Offer a special featuring tall boys served in brown paper bags along with hangover-curing comfort foods.

May 30: National Creativity Day

I mean…what a blank canvas! This is the day to execute your most creative promotions. Ask your team members for their most creative ideas to boost staff engagement.

Image: Dan Parlante on Unsplash

Sunglasses and beer on table at a bar
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Summer Stimmy, Hot Vax Summer

Summer Stimmy, Hot Vax Summer

by David Klemt

Sunglasses and beer on table at a bar

When considering event programming, operators should consider the zeitgeist of the current era in which we find ourselves.

Big brands monitor and leverage the cultural climate of a given time.

Operators can do the same, as long as they embrace authenticity, show a sense of humor, and avoid disrespect and appropriation.

Here are a couple examples operators can use for Summer 2021.

Summer Stimmy

Bud Light is tapping into America’s federal response to the pandemic—stimulus checks, to be exact—with creativity and a sense of humor.

Is it too soon? It doesn’t seem so—the levity is a welcome respite.

For all intents and purposes, it appears Bud Light is leaning heavier into the creative and promotional aspect than just humor.

Bud Light’s Summer Stimmy is a proposal to “make Summer 2021 even awesomer for people across America.”

The brand explains each “proposal” item as though they’re components of a bill up for consideration. For example, Part I, Section 1 of the Bud Light Summer Stimmy proposal carries the subtitle “Tons of Tix.” Bud Light proposes to give away 100,000 tickets for MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, NWSL and WNBA events.

Part I, Section 2, More Awesomeness, proposes the nomination of Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski as Secretary of Summer. Additionally, the section proposes May 14 as National Gronk Day, his birthday.

Of course, Bud Light owns the term Summer Stimmy now. However, clever operators can get in on the fun (and profits) through their Bud Light rep. Or, they can get creative and come up with their own Summer 2021 promotions that leverage pent-up demand.

Hot Vax Summer

Even though it seems like forever ago, who can forget 2019 and Hot Girl Summer?

Megan Thee Stallion, one half of the infamous “WAP” duo, gets the credit for coining the phrase and creating the movement.

The “rules” for Hot Summer were simple: Women and men just needed to be “unapologetically them,” make having a good time a priority, and be free.

We all know what happened in 2020. There certainly wasn’t a Hot Girl Summer, Part Two.

Meeting new people, dating, hooking up… For the most part, none of that happened without Covid-19 tests and quarantining. That is, if those activities occurred at all.

But now we have multiple vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. AstraZeneca and Novavax have yet to be authorized by the FDA.

So, what are the Hot Vax Summer rules? Pretty simple: Get vaccinated (fully), get back out there to meet, interact and hook up.

And where do people tend to go to meet others? Restaurants, bars, nightclubs and dayclubs.

Whether to confidently and comfortably meet friends they haven’t seen for several months, make new friends, or kickstart dating, our businesses are where people want to be.

Operators need to ensure their venues are ready for the initial crush of guests clamoring to finally reclaim their social and romantic lives. So, prepare your outdoor areas; make sure indoor areas meet guest expectations for comfort so they can interact freely; and ensure your staff is ready for the welcome onslaught of eager guests.

Image: Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

Modern neon sign hanging in window
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

RRF Applications Open Monday

RRF Applications Open Monday

by David Klemt

Modern neon sign hanging in window

In long overdue but very welcome news, the Small Business Administration’s RRF portal opens to accept applications on Monday.

Operators and business owners will be able to register this Friday, April 30.

We definitely recommend doing so to make the application process simpler and (hopefully) less frustrating on Monday, May 3.

What You Need to Know

Mainly, the following: The SBA’s RRF portal link is https://restaurants.sba.gov. It would probably be a good idea to go ahead and bookmark that site now.

Alternately, operators using an SBA POS partner to apply. Partner systems include Clover, NCR, Square, and Toast.

Per the SBA, operators will be able to register via the website beginning at 9:00 AM EST on Friday. Again, it would be wise to plan on doing exactly that.

Anything that can be done to speed up the application process opening Monday should be done.

According to the SBA website, certain eligible entities will be given priority. For the first 21 days the application process is open, priority will be granted to small businesses with a minimum of 51 percent ownership by women, veterans or socially disadvantaged people.

However, all eligible owners and operators should register on Friday and apply on Monday. Doing should, in theory, help applicants secure their grants in a more timely manner.

RRF Preparation

The SBA’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund portal opens at noon ET on Monday. It’s best to prepare as much as possible as it’s likely applicants may find themselves in a queue depending upon traffic.

Operators can calculate their grant amounts with the following equations for applicants:

  • in operation prior to or on January 1, 2019: 2019 gross receipts minus 2020 gross receipts minus PPP loan amounts.
  • that began operations partially through 2019: (Average 2019 monthly gross receipts x 12) minus 2020 gross receipts minus PPP loan amounts.
  • who began operations on or between January 1, 2020 and March 10, 2021: Amount spent on eligible expenses between February 15, 2020 and March 11, 2021 minus 2020 gross receipts minus 2021 gross receipts (through March 11, 2021) minus PPP loan amounts
  • not yet opened but have incurred eligible expenses: Amount spent on eligible expenses between February 15, 2020 and March 11, 2021 minus 2020 gross receipts minus 2021 gross receipts (through March 11, 2021) minus PPP loan amounts

Note: Entities who began operations partially through 2019 may elect, at their own discretion, to use either calculation two, three or four above.

For further guidance and to prepare as much as possible, please click here for the SBA’s RRF guide, and click here to review the sample application.

The Independent Restaurant Coalition also has a handy checklist posted to Instagram:

Good luck!

Image: Prateek Katyal on Unsplash

Help Wanted sign taped in window
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

The Reality of Hiring Right Now

The Reality of Hiring Right Now

by David Klemt

Help Wanted sign taped in window

Operators can add recruitment, hiring and retention among to the growing list of challenges they’re facing due to the pandemic.

Labor struggles aren’t exactly a shock to the hospitality industry.

However, the speed with which the many stark predictions of labor shortages and challenges across North America has caught some by surprise.

Outlook: Brutal

Fast-casual to fine dining. Independent to chain. Regional hospitality group to multi-national powerhouse.

No operator, no concept, no market appears immune to today’s recruitment, hiring or retention challenges.

It’s not the only reason but the federal boost to unemployment is exacerbating the situation. Restaurant operators across America have been reporting that their workers are making more on unemployment than they would make returning to their jobs.

It’s likely the hiring situation won’t improve until the end of August or start of September; the federal boost to unemployment is set to expire on September 6.

Of course, that points to another glaring industry issue: livable wages and benefits.

The pandemic didn’t cause the labor shortage and hiring problem on its own, but it certainly hasn’t helped anything. Some operators throughout North America say they’ve been hunting for workers for all positions for months.

Incentives & Bonuses

Operators are fighting for workers. To many reading this, that’s not a surprise. However, many operators report fighting to even get candidates to show up for interviews.

Famously, one McDonald’s franchisee in Tampa, Florida, is using a $50 incentive for interviews. If a candidate manages to follow through and show up for their interview, they walk away with $50.

During a recent conversation with Chef Brian Duffy (which we’ll be releasing as episode 33 of the Bar Hacks podcast), interview incentives came up. While it’s no $50 bonus just for showing, Chef Duffy has offered candidates free lunch for appearing for their interviews. And yes, he still struggles.

Interestingly, appearance incentives don’t appear to be working. What does appear to be working? Increasing starting wages, referral programs, apply-via-text functionality, and all manner of signing and performance-based bonuses.

The bonuses run the gamut. Show up for all your shifts for three or four months and earn a $500 bonus. Paying down student loans. Fronting the bill for culinary school. One restaurant in Alabama is offering an SUV to their top-performing worker later this year.

In addition to bonuses, wages are seeing a boost. Jobs that would normally start at $12 to $15 per hour are now offering starting wages of $16 to $18 dollars per hour.

No matter how one slices it, the situation leads to cost hikes across the board for operators. When costs increase for operators, prices increase for consumers. Margins shrink, the old cycle continues, the industry struggles.

Reality Check

Now, it’s simple to blame the pandemic for the current situation. To say it’s not a major factor would be incredibly disingenuous.

That said, the struggle to find and keep workers is also a culmination of decades-long, industry-wide problems.

Lack of diversity, inclusion, equality, living wages, opportunities, and transparency; failure to address social issues; inexcusable, threatening, and outright illegal behavior… All of this and much more contributes to the industry’s hiring and retention challenges.

That’s a criminally shallow summary of the situation—I’m well aware. Doug Radkey, president of KRG Hospitality, addresses the need to review and reset the industry in his book Hacking the New Normal. He takes a deep dive into rejecting the status quo in this industry.

My point is that operators can’t blame their woes solely on the pandemic, absolving themselves of responsibility.

Operators must take a hard look at themselves and their operations, and ask difficult questions. Doing so can be uncomfortable. But neither positive change nor growth come from resting in the comfort zone.

Image: Tim Mossholder on Unsplash 

"This is the sign you've been looking for" white neon sign on brick wall
by krghospitality krghospitality No Comments

SBA Releases RRF Guide and Forms

SBA Releases RRF Guide and Forms

by David Klemt

"This is the sign you've been looking for" white neon sign on brick wall

Operators in the United States are nearing the opening of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund application process.

The Small Business Administration’s RRF program guide and sample application are now available.

Let’s jump in!

RRF at a Glance

In simple terms, the RRF is the most targeted relief the industry in America has received since the pandemic took hold.

Eligible entities apply for a tax-free grant equal to the amount of a their pandemic-related revenue losses.

To calculate a grant amount, an applicant subtracts 2020 gross receipts from 2019 gross receipts. Applicants must deduct first-draw PPP and second-draw PPP loans, even if they’re paid back or forgiven. Any economic disaster loans—Economic Injury Disaster Loans, for example—are not RRF deductions.

Per the SBA, operators do not need to register for a System for Award Management (SAM.gov) account, meaning they no longer need to acquire a DUNS number.

RRF Eligibility

As the SBA’s RRF program guide states, eligible businesses A) must not be closed permanently, and B) are places where customers gather primarily to consume food or drink. Such entities include:

  • restaurants;
  • bars;
  • saloons;
  • lounges;
  • taverns;
  • food trucks, carts and stands;
  • snack and non-alcoholic beverage bars;
  • licensed facilities or premises of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase product; and
  • other similar places of business in which the public or patrons assemble for the primary purpose of being served food or drink.

However, that’s in no way the entire list of eligible businesses. Bakeries, breweries, microbreweries, brewpubs, taprooms, distilleries, wineries, and tasting rooms are eligible if they can provide documentation (which must accompany their application) that:

  • on-site sales to the public comprised at least 33% of gross receipts in 2019; or
  • original business model should have contemplated at least 33% of gross receipts in on-site sales to the public if they’ve yet to open or opened in 2020.

Interestingly, it’s possible for an inn to be eligible for the RRF. Such a business is subject to the same eligibility requirements as bakeries, breweries, etc.

Eligible Expenses

Businesses that receive an RRF grant may use the funds for eligible expenses during their covered period. That timeframe is the “period beginning on February 15, 2020 and ending on March 11, 2023.” Should the business close permanently, that period will end when the business permanently closes or on March 11, 2023, whichever occurs sooner.”

A grant recipient must return any funds to the Treasury if they’re unable to use for eligible expenses by the end of the covered period.

So, which expenses are eligible per the SBA for the RRF program? Below is a short list of eligible expenses:

  • Payroll costs (sick leave, costs for group health care, life, disability, vision, or dental benefits during periods of paid sick, medical, or family leave, and group health care, life, disability, vision, or dental insurance premiums).
  • Payments on any business mortgage obligation, both principal and interest (Note: Excludes any prepayment of principal on a mortgage obligation).
  • Business rent payments, including rent under a lease agreement (Note: Excludes any prepayment of rent).
  • Construction of outdoor seating.
  • Business supplies (including protective equipment and cleaning materials).

For the full list of eligible expenses and many more RRF details, please click here to download and view the entire SBA RRF program guide. To view the sample application and prepare for the process to begin, click here.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. This article does not constitute professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law. This information is of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of a specific individual or entity. The reader of this information alone assumes the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information before making any decisions based on such information.

Image: Austin Chan on Unsplash 

The Cosmopolitan on the Las Vegas Strip
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Las Vegas CEO Offers Vaccination Bonus

Las Vegas CEO Offers Vaccination Bonus

by David Klemt

The Cosmopolitan on the Las Vegas Strip

One CEO in the hospitality and lodging industries is offering employees a bonus for getting the Covid-19 vaccine.

William McBeath, president and CEO of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, is incentivizing the resort’s staff with cash bonuses.

Conversely, workers who decline inoculation must take weekly Covid-19 tests.

Cash Incentive

Per the Review-Journal, the largest daily newspaper in Nevada, McBeath is using a tiered approach to the bonuses.

If the resort meets the vaccination goal, the property could pay $1 million to staff.

According to reporting, The Cosmo is pushing for at least 80 percent of staff to receive first doses of a Covid-19 vaccine by the first of May.

The tiered system works as follows:

  • 60 Percent Vaccination Rate: $50
  • 70 Percent Vaccination Rate: $100
  • 80 Percent Vaccination Rate: $250
  • 90 Percent Vaccination Rate: $350
  • 100 Percent Vaccination Rate: $500

The most an employee stands to make is a one-time bonus of $500. Clearly, the 80 percent vaccination rate bonus is an amount the resort finds motivational and a reasonable cost.

Weekly Tests

There are a number of reasons someone may decide against a vaccine. Operators must understand that vaccination is a personal choice.

Requiring staff receive vaccinations is a slippery slope. Setting aside legal ramifications, doing so will likely result in staff attrition, awful PR, and long-term damage to a business.

That’s to say nothing of the failure in emotional intelligence that forcing vaccinations on employees would highlight.

Instead, McBeath’s approach respects an individual worker’s autonomy. The president and CEO isn’t forcing The Cosmo’s staff to receive vaccines. Rather, he’s incentivizing workers to reach the goal set for the resort.

There are no credible reports of Cosmopolitan employees facing termination for refusing vaccination. I was also unable to find any reports of retaliation.

According to Review-Journal reporting, unvaccinated workers will undergo Covid-19 testing. Starting May 1, Cosmo employees who work a maximum of three days per week will be given a test once per week. Those who work four or more days per week will be tested twice per week.

Nevada Seeks to Increase Occupancy Limits, Reopen State

McBeath’s May 1 deadline makes even more sense when one considers current occupancy limits and reopening plans.

Currently, casinos in the Silver State are operating at 50-percent capacity. On May 1, the Nevada Gaming Control Board will be responsible for deciding gaming floor occupancy. In preparation, the NGC wants more of Nevada’s hospitality workers to receive vaccinations.

Additionally, Governor Steve Sisolak has set a June 1 date against reaching 100-percent occupancy statewide. So, The Cosmo’s goal of 80-percent staff inoculation by May 1 makes a lot of sense.

Operators in hospitality and lodging can use McBeath’s incentive program in their own businesses. If it’s crucial to them and their businesses, operators should set a staff vaccination rate goal and implement a bonus schedule that appeals to workers while remaining realistic.

Image: Zachary DeBottis from Pexels

Flipping through an open book
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

5 Books to Read this Month

5 Books to Read this Month

by David Klemt

Flipping through an open book

Spring is traditionally the time when we’re meant to reinvent or otherwise better ourselves. These books can help you do just that.

Some will help you expand or enter this business, others will boost your marketing and social media, and a couple will help you refresh your drink menu.

With restrictions easing and vaccination rates in the United States growing, now’s the time to improve yourself and your business.

Prepare now for pent-up demand for in-person dining and drinking.

Food Truck Business Guide for Beginners

Looking to enter this industry with a food truck or expand your existing business with one? This book is a great place to start.

Food Truck Business Guide for Beginners is a comprehensive guide that covers:

  • common mistakes that lead to food truck failure, and exactly how to avoid them;
  • the most successful ways to secure funding;
  • how to master marketing;
  • best practices for passing health inspections;
  • tackling and mastering marketing for your business;
  • and many more topics.

The Terroir of Whiskey: A Distiller’s Journey Into the Flavor of Place

Dr. Rob Arnold is a plant biochemist and the master distiller at TX Distillery. To say he understands the science of whiskey and terroir is obvious.

What’s less obvious is the direction Dr. Arnold’s book heads into. He takes readers to distilleries in Kentucky, Ireland, Scotland and elsewhere, but he takes things further.

In The Terroir of Whiskey, Dr. Arnold shines a light on plant breeders, local farmers, and distillers bringing back “lost” grains. These same innovators are also attempting to create new grains to further develop terroir.

This book will definitely enhance your whiskey knowledge and engagement with guests.

Rad Cocktails

Yes, this book’s description states that it focuses on the home bartender.

No, that doesn’t mean bartenders, operators, and other hospitality pros can’t learn from it.

Rad Cocktails, in addition to including awesome illustrations, also embodies a growing cocktail trend: simplification. Innovative cocktails don’t have to be complicated or take ten minutes to build.

Beautiful Booze: Stylish Cocktails to Make at Home

Natalie Migliarini, also known as Beautiful Booze, has more than 95,000 followers on Instagram. Her cocktail recipes, photographs and mastery of social media help her stand out in a roiling sea of influencers.

Her first book, Beautiful Booze: Stylish Cocktails to Make at Home, also targets home bartenders…on the surface. This book, creative cocktail recipes, can help elevate anyone’s bartending skills. The beautiful photography will also help inspire anyone to take their social media shooting to the next level.

Hacking the New Normal: Hitting the Reset Button on the Hospitality Industry

Alright, this may seem self-serving. However, I wouldn’t have written the foreword for a book I didn’t believe this book would truly help people.

Millions of hospitality industry professionals’ lives were imperiled at the start of last year. We continue to innovate and adapt to overcome unprecedented challenges.

Hacking the New Normal addresses the need for an industry-wide reset and seeks to guide operators through rebuilding for the long term, and to strengthen the industry moving forward.

Image: Mikołaj on Unsplash 

Stay Weird neon sign with purple background
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Stand Out with Weird Holidays: April

Stand Out with Weird Holidays: April

by David Klemt

Stay Weird neon sign with purple background

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

Several “holidays” are set against every date on the calendar. They range from mainstream to food focused to weird.

Focus on the latter to raise eyebrows, carve out a niche for your restaurant or bar, and attract more guests.

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

April 14: National Reach as High as You Can Day

This is a holiday that will likely work best on social media. Just like there’s always a holiday and people like to say “there’s always a tweet,” there’s always a hashtag.

Use this day (and its accompanying hashtag) to highlight staff who want to participate, along with your venue.

Of course, if you want to involve your guests in person, go for it. Put your head together with your staff and get creative.

April 15: National Take a Wild Guess Day

You can take promotions centered around this day in several directions. The simplest way is to use the holiday to engage with followers on your social channels.

Consider borrowing from the “wrong answers only” posts on Instagram. Post a blurred, pixelated or “censored” item, like a bottle. In the caption, ask followers to “guess” what it is—wild guesses only.

This holiday also works well with blind tasting events.

April 16: Wear Pajamas to Work Day

I’d say this holiday is fairly self-explanatory. Let your front-of-house staff participate by wearing pajamas, with full team buy-in. Or, encourage your guests to wear their pajamas to your restaurant or bar.

If this holiday fell on a Saturday or Sunday, this would be a great day for a brunch promo. Of course, there’s nothing to say you can’t execute a Friday brunch.

April 16: National Bean Counter Day

In the United States, this holiday is taking place a month before the Tax Day deadline. If you’re so inclined, you could offer a deal to all the tax preparers and accountants in your area.

Although, you can also go a completely different direction. You can fill a large jar with beans—coffee would be great—and have guests guess how many there are. You can even post the jar full of beans to social, encouraging follower engagement. Closest guess wins a prize.

April 22: National Jelly Bean Day

Oh, hey… Remember that bean-counting holiday from way up there? I wonder if that bean-guessing idea would work for this holiday…

April 23: National Talk Like Shakespeare Day

If you think you or your social media manager can handle it, encourage your followers to describe your restaurant or bar as though they’re the Bard himself.

Or, as a Shakespearean translator would explain it, “Encourageth thy followeth’rs to describeth thy restaurant ‘r bar as though those gents’re the Bard himself.”

April 25: National DNA Day

Yesterday, I shared how our DNA plays a significant role in how we perceive bitter flavors. National DNA Day would be a great time to plan and execute a PTC strip and cocktail event.

April 27: National Tell a Story Day

How well do your loyal guests know you and your brand? How well do they know your staff?

National Tell a Story Day is an excellent time to leverage the story features on your social channels. Show off the venue and tell your brand’s story. If you have team members who want to participate and tell share a story, that’s a great way to engage with followers and guests.

April 28: National Superhero Day

If there was a ever a day to encourage your staff and/or guests to dress up for a fun time… National Superhero Day also leverages Shudder’s “Halfway to Halloween” event.

To take this holiday in another direction, you can also celebrate members of your community who give back to others by giving back to them.

“Weird” holidays aren’t just a dynamic way to engage with guests. Asking your team for ideas for holiday promotions is an excellent way to keep them engaged, which is a smart way to retain staff.

Image: Dan Parlante on Unsplash 

A Bitcoin on top of a $100 bill
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Let’s Talk About Bitcoin

Let’s Talk About Bitcoin

by David Klemt

A Bitcoin on top of a $100 bill

Bitcoin and cryptocurrency in general are no strangers to media attention, but it seems like the coverage is increasing.

Of course, it helps when people who are excellent at garnering attention talk about it. Consider the explosion in news stories and online conversations about cryptocurrencies when Elon Musk tweeted about Dogecoin.

Then there’s the mystery factor. Many people don’t understand Bitcoin, Ethereum or other forms of cryptocurrency. The word itself—”crypto”—lends to the enigmatic air of this form of currency.

As a business owner, you should at least have a cursory understanding of cryptocurrency. After all, some people may try to pay you with it and you should at least consider meeting these guests where they are.

Before we proceed: I’m not a cryptocurrency or financial expert. I’m sharing information I’ve come across in my research over the years. Don’t make any financial or business decisions solely based upon what you read here—learn more for yourself and consult with experts before making investment decisions.

Crypto is Relevant to Our Industry

I’ve written about cryptocurrency—Bitcoin in particular—in the past. In one article, I wrote about a “nightclub” within a nightclub in Las Vegas devoted to cryptocurrency.

The club, MORE, had its own “coin” (MORE Coin), accepted other cryptocurrencies, and tailored its experience to crypto fanatics. It has become more of a members’ club, offering access to and preferential treatment at an array of venues, along with other perks. The club’s coin is purchased via Bittrex, a popular exchange platform

There are also hotels in Las Vegas (and other cities, of course) that accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for rooms. Bitcoin ATMs scattered throughout Vegas allow people to access their wallets and convert crypto to cash.

Paying with crypto may become more commonplace than we think, sooner than we think.

Crypto Basics

Let’s address the term “cryptocurrency.” In this case, “crypto” is a reference to the encryption technology that protects a cryptocurrency network.

Bitcoin and other digital tokens, such as Ethereum and Dogecoin, are decentralized currencies. That is, there’s no main server, no government, no bank that controls or owns the network.

A digital token is incredibly difficult—if not impossible—to counterfeit or “double-spend.” This is due to sophisticated encryption technology and the blockchain.

The blockchain is a peer-to-peer distributed ledger technology that makes it incredibly difficult (again, if not impossible) to take over a crypto network. Every transaction is public knowledge; open to inspection; duplicated and distributed throughout an entire network; and  unalterable.

It’s that last point that made Bitcoin viable. Unlike attempts in the past to create digital currencies, the blockchain makes crypto trustworthy in that someone can’t just make up a new currency, wait for people to buy in, and then take it all for themselves.

Bitcoin has become synonymous with cryptocurrency. It’s the first viable digital token as we know it, the most popular, and at the moment, the most valuable.

Interestingly, it’s widely accepted that Ethereum is the second-most popular digital token but the most-utilized blockchain.

Finally, Bitcoin is finite. There are exactly 21 million Bitcoins—that’s it. Once they’re all mined, no more will be made.

Beyond the Basics

Fewer than 2.4 million Bitcoins remain to be mined. Currently, one Bitcoin is worth about $58,000.

A person uses a digital “wallet” to send and receive Bitcoin. Some people store their unique wallet on their computer; a separate and dedicated hard drive; a thumb drive; or a “cold” wallet, a device that’s not connected to the Internet to protect it from hackers.

If a person loses their wallet or password, they lose their Bitcoin(s).  There’s no way yet to know how many of the 21 million Bitcoins have been lost.

Bitcoin is a software system. Therefore, it can be copied. That’s the reason crypto beyond Bitcoin—such as the aforementioned Ethereum and Elon Musk-promoted Dogecoin—exists.

One of the biggest questions people have about bitcoin is, “Is this a scam?” Search online and you’ll get a mix of results.

There are high-profile people like Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk who are apparently heavily invested in crypto. There are critics calling the whole thing a scam and fraud. Then there are some former critics, like Jordan “The Wolf of Wall Street” Belfort, who were highly critical and suspicious of crypto but have changed their tunes.

Support from hotels, restaurant chains, financial institutions and other legitimate businesses seems to answer the scam question. However, operators must proceed with caution, as they would for any change in their business or investment.

Accepting Bitcoin Payments

Businesses that decide to accept Bitcoin and/or other digital tokens will need a POS app or platform to do so.

Starbucks is reportedly using Bakkt to accept Bitcoin.

Other options include BitPay Checkout, Bitcoin Cash Register, Anypay, and Paytomat.

Some solutions create a QR code the guest scans with their phone to complete a transaction. Others convert digital tokens to cash to accept payment.

It’s important to note that the IRS treats cryptos differently than US dollars. Before choosing to accept cryptocurrencies as payment, consult with your tax professional and accountant to ensure you don’t run afoul of any laws.

Canadian operators should note that while crypto is legal in the country. However, only the Canadian considered official legal tender in Canada. Again, this is why it’s so important to consult relevant experts before proceeding with crypto in your business.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this post does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice. Neither the author nor KRG Hospitality recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Image: Bermix Studio on Unsplash 

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