Tribute

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.

Celebrate Independence Day…Drink American!

The long holiday is upon us and the options for beverages in every category are loaded with imports from across the globe. But in every economy… there are plenty of All-American products that should be considered when filling the coolers, planning the parties and ordering the cocktails.

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

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

Beverage Underground Pro2Know: BEATA ZOLADZ

Beata Zoladz
PURE Urban Oasis
Mercato North Naples

Beata is a well respected Pro2Know who is a big part of the great staff at PURE. Beata is an award winning bartender who has been a sales and service leader as well as a team player on a talented bar staff. Go see Beata at PURE who has discounts for Bar Pros after 10 during the week and all day Sunday

Beverages Back in the Day: JOLT Cola

In 1985, Jolt was the Nation’s First ‘Energized’ Beverage.
JOLT Cola was created in 1985 and every can and bottle had the slogan “All the Sugar and Twice the Caffeine.” JOLT became an instant hit for anyone else needing a quick pick me up.

Emilio Lavazza Remembered as “The King of Coffee”

He was the undisputed “King of Coffee” known to many as “Mr Espresso”, but Emilio Lavazza was a passionate salesman who went restaurant to restaurant delivering ground Lavazza coffee in the late 50’s and 60’s. His innovative style and work ethic spread Italian espresso coffee culture around the world and to an international audience as the head of a family-run business which now sells coffee in 90 countries.

Chain Breaks. Sam Seltzer’s Steakhouse Falls and Six Restaurants Shut Their Doors Leaving 300 Jobless

There won’t be any “All you Can Eat’ Ribs and 2 for 1 Drinks” at Sam Seltzer’s six locations, as the chain restaurant has closed for good in six Florida Cities. “Closed for Business” is today’s special at Sam Seltzer’s stores in Fort Myers, Clearwater, Port Richey, St. Petersburg, Tampa and Sarasota. leaving more than 300 employees jobless. Sam Seltzer’s Steakhouse was founded in Tampa in 1995. John Mountford, President and CEO, said the casual-dining chain was forced to close “due to

Beverage Underground Tribute: Fess Parker Winemaker and Actor Passes Away at 85

Fess Parker was a native Texan who moved to California and began as an extra in the movies but is best known for his 1950s portrayals of ‘Davy Crocket’ for Walt Disney and his late 1960s portrayals of Daniel Boone. But his legacy lives on another way because Fess Parker was a celebrity who retired to work harder than ever and turned into a winemaker who developed his love of wine into his own vineyard and family winery in Los Olivos, California in the Santa Ynez Valley.

TRIBUTE: BEVERAGE UNDERGROUND PAYS RESPECTS TO INDUSTRY GIANT, GENE DAVIS

The Beverage Underground Mourns the Loss and Celebrates the Life of One the Greats of our Industry.

Mr. Gene Davis died Saturday, March 13, 2010 in Tampa at the age of 90. Mr. Davis operated NDC Tampa, and affiliated companies that became National Distributing Company, a liquor, wine , beer and beverage distribution company for over 50 years. Gene Davis exemplified strength and confidence, and his commitment to service and his loyalty to his suppliers,customers and his employees set the standard in liquor & wine distribution.