Biz News

Are Southwest Florida’s Restaurant ‘Summer’ Early Birds, Two-fers, All Day Happy Hours and Open Bars Here to Stay?

Hospitality Industry Professionals Cope with Short Shifts, Shorter Tips and the Threat of Closings

Recent closings have left many qualified Hospitality Industry Professionals without work and there are several months of off-season still to endure. “The numbers just didn’t work, we cut prices and offered crazy specials…

Laird Family Reigns as America’s Oldest Distillers

Laird & Company received license #1 as the United States first distillery and that created the first ‘recorded sale’ of Applejack. There is plenty of proof that America’s oldest ‘strong drink’ may have assisted in the fight to gain that Independence that we celebrate every July.

SUMMER SLAM: More Restaurants Abruptly Shut Down in Southwest Florida

The Grillroom’ in Coconut Point Mall ‘and Uno Chicago Grill in Naples both closed their doors this week leaving employees in the dark and without jobs heading into the long hot summer. There was no indication that either restaurant was closing

Starbuck’s in the Wine Business? New Earthy ‘Olive Way’ Concept Gets Green Light in Seattle

Starbucks has decided to launch their first “Olive Way’ concept store this fall in Seattle. The prototype store will be the chain’s only location that sells beer and wine in the U.S. and will also launch their new ‘coffee theater’ concept.

Taste of Florida Mixes Sponsors Key West Express Cruise

Monday June 28 was a day for cruising and getting away from it all on the Key West Express for a Beverage Underground ‘In the Biz’ Cruise. Taste of Florida Mixes sponsored the trip that created a meet & greet party with other Hospitality Industry Professionals for a great day visiting the legendary bars and sights of Key West.

BeverageUnderground Spirit Review: Absolut Brooklyn is a “Big Apple’ Hit!

Spike Lee helps Absolut Vodka capture new interest with great new flavor! ABSOLUT BROOKLYN®, the latest limited-edition, city-inspired vodka to be added to the ABSOLUT® flavor portfolio is a delicious tribute to Red Apple and a tasty hint of Ginger…

Mello Yello Goes Retro to Lure Those That ‘Do the Dew’

Coca-Cola is reaching back for the retro look of 1979 to reintroduce Mello-Yello. The marketing campaign has begun in an effort to capture some of the 630 million cases of Pepsi-Cola’s Mountain Dew that was sold last year in the citrus soda segment.

Clos Du Bois Wine Dinner Raises Over $5,000 for local Autism Charities

The Grillroom @ Coconut Point Hosts Fund Raiser with Reserve Wines and Gourmet Dinner.
Clos Du Bois Reserve Wines were paired with a wonderful dinner on Thursday June 24 as Southern Wine & Spirits, Constellation Brands and The Grillroom helped raise $5,200 for Autism Speaks and Eden Florida.

ALL AROUND THE UNDERGROUND NEWS: Hospitality Industry’s Summertime Shuffle is ON!

The People, the Products and Promotions that shape the Buyer’s Decisions and Consumer’s purchases….

It’s slow in spots…and downright dead in others… but there is always plenty of change, hope and this year even more

Foster’s Wine Group Consolidates Portfolio in Florida

The Foster’s Wine Group has announced a consolidation in distributors that results in Southern Wine & Spirits representing the entire Foster portfolio in the State of Florida.