BarMechanics

Big House with Big Overhead: Hospitality Community Shocked As Icabod’s Closes Mid-Season

Word has been flying around the Underground that Rob De Gennaro has decided to close the doors on Ichabod’s. This was only the second season for the business that opened in the Irish Castle formerly built and operated by the Dwyers.

Beverage Underground Pro2Know

JAY MC AULEY
BISTRO 41
BELL TOWER SHOPS
FT. MYERS, FL

Jay is the guy that makes every visit to the Bell Tower worth stopping by ‘The Bistro’ to have an adult beverage. he knows his wines, mixes great cocktails and always has a smile and a good word…and there must be a reason that Cindie Barker calls Jay “the Sexiest Bartender in SWFL”….

BarMechanic Johnny Creus’ Tips: Selling and Buying Gift Cards is Key to Holiday Hospitality

GIFT CARDS MAKE THE HOLIDAY BETTER FROM BOTH SIDES

The 2009 Hospitality season is nearly upon us.  Weather you believe it starts around Thanksgiving or it has already started, those of us in the “Biz” are grateful for its…

Closed for Remodeling? Bourbon Street Goes Dark

Six Months. Open in time for Mardi Gras…closed before Labor Day. When Bourbon Street opened in the Estero Ridge Plaza the place was jumping…the area really needed a place to go and Bourbon Street was opened with welcome arms. But after just six months of operation Bourbon Street quietly and unceremoniously hung a sheet of paper on the doors with the news that they were remodeling.

Perhaps it should have said rethinking.

Our Recovery Starts With Hospitality and Service

Our Recovery Starts With Hospitality and Service

smokey@BeverageUnderground.com

You won’t need statistics to know that our area is the poster child for ‘It’s bad out there’. Recent closings and layoffs this early in the off-season are indications that more establishments will be throwing in the towel before this hurricane season is over. Some of the closings are truly sad and unwarranted and even shocking, but let’s face it…some of them just had to go.

BarMechanic Johnny Rock Shares ‘The Art of the Handshake’

THE ART OF THE HANDSHAKE

If there is one fact about the bar and hospitality industry that is unwavering is that it is predicated upon building relationships with people. People and repeat clientele are the driving force that puts money in our pockets and our doors perpetually open. No amount of inventory control, product placement, advertising, etc. will have as much impact to your bottom line as your staff and how they interact with your guest.

‘Celebrity Brands’ Multiply On the Back Bar

BEVERAGE INDUSTRY LOOKS TO ENTERTAINMENT ICONS TO HOOK CONSUMERS

Are you ready for Bill O’Reilly Irish Whiskey, Oprah’s Pinot Grigio or Tiger’s Scotch?

So far there are no such products…but if history repeats and trends continue, get ready for anything, or anybody to wind up on your back bar.

JOHNNY CREUS JOINS THE BEVERAGE UNDERGROUND

One of the SWFL area’s most popular and respected bartenders has joined the Beverage Underground staff. John Creus, will answer ‘all kinds’ of questions in his ‘ASK JOHNNY’ column that will appear in both the print version and in an online blog. Questions will be answered and useful advise will be given for bar and industry related topics, but readers can ‘Ask Johnny’ damn near anything.

Beverage Underground Pros2Know

BRAD POLACEK
BLU SUSHI
GULF COAST TOWN CENTER

Brad Polacek is a BarMechanics Pro2Know that brings the power and personality to Blu Sushi. He prepares, promotes and pours his passion into making great cocktails and everyone feel welcome. Brad began as a barback back in the days of Varian’s. He began a full time career with Blu Sushi in 2004 and was on the opening team at Gulf Coast Town Center.

Knowing the Life Cycle of your Beverage Stock Helps Efficiency

The Bevinco Pro says…Knowing the Six Steps in the Life Cycle of your Beverage Stock may be the beginning of better efficiency, better results and better profit. Read Mike Molloy’s monthly column and find out why you need to 1) Order It 2) Receive It 3) Store It 4) Prepare It 5) Ring It and 6) Count It