SPIRITS & WINE SALES SURGE EVEN WHEN TIMES ARE TOUGH It’s no secret that sales of ‘adult beverages’ are down in so many areas and categories, but the one thing you can count on is a surge in sales during the holidays and specifically in the month of December. Off-premise sales get a boost as home and office holiday parties create sales, and spirits and wine can be the perfect $15-$50 gift. Holiday gift packs help sell brands and while they may be more difficult to find at your local liquor store this year, over 30 companies have merchandise like etched glasses, logo shaker cups, flasks and even belt buckles as incentives for gift giving. On-Premise sales always spike after all the gifts are under the tree, and often the sale of gift cards help increase traffic immediately. But the sales related to the end-of-the year price blitz for multi-case ‘drops’ on call and premium brands may fall on deaf ears this season. Typically distributors fight to reach sales incentive numbers rather than profit with volume buys before the New Year. Retailers lack working capital after a down year and have warned that they won’t be able to take advantage of the deep discounts that are related to better profits. Consensus is that it will be a short season for everyone and aggressive retailers, both on and off premise, are preparing strategies for snowbird season.
Restaurants Benefit From Retail Additions
Ready to rip the calendar up? Yeah, us too. Many a party is planned and the deals will be better than ever, but one of the area’s best parties is always held on the Downtown Streets of Fort Myers at the 13th Annual ‘Downtown Countdown’ Celebration. The ball will drop at midnight and expect plenty of entertainment with live music in three locations. The party starts at 7:30 and goes until 2 and most of the retail shops, galleries and hospitality locations will be open all night to accommodate party goers. But it’s the bars and restaurants that go all out and we’ll post selected events online and update info right up ‘til it’s time to chill the bubbly. WINK FM’s Gina Birch will host the festivities at The Edison Restaurant and the popular ‘Little Eddie & the Fat Fingers’ will play live, while at The Reserve they’ll go back to the future with a ‘Flashback to the 80’s Party’. In Naples, the party starts on the beach at the Pier with fireworks and Yabba Island Grill will throw the best party on Fifth Avenue. Log on and stay connected to find out where the best party spots will be. www.BeverageUnderground.com
Everybody has heard about the nightlife at Gulf Coast Town Center and the recent 1 am entertainment shutdown, but the Gulf Coast Town Center restaurants and hospitality employees are getting a boost from new retail stores this December. It’s all about the shopping and ladies are finding great options and even better prices and selections from new stores like the popular St. John’s Knits Outlet, and the Designer Shoe Gallerie that has a full line of handbags, jewelry and accessories. Three new stores Venez, iboutique and Cali will be pleasant surprises for ladies of all ages. Venez (silent z), will feature unique fashions and upscale lingerie from Columbia, Cali is a hip store with fashions and accessories, as is the iboutique that will be located near Kilwin’s. Even a new place to eat healthy. The Fresh Planet Cafe opened next to Carrabbas, giving shopper’s plenty of shop & dine decisions. The Black Opal Gallery has plenty of unique gift ideas. ‘Santa’s Wonderland’ is becoming a family tradition at Bass Pro Outlet and the 3,500 square foot ‘village’ is a must see …year after year. A commitment to live music every weekend, and the IMAX theater draws crowds, along with the Big Box stores like Best Buy, Super Target, Bass Pro Outlet makes Gulf Coast Town Center Southwest Florida’s premier and most versatile shopping and dining experience. Find out about the new shops, holiday hours and this month’s Bass Pro’s Winter Wonderland is a must see at Gulf Coast Town Center entertainment schedule at www.GulfcoastTownCenter.com FOR THE LATEST HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY NEWS AND UPDATES SUBSCRIBE TO WWW.BEVERAGEUNDERGROUND.COM
National Bartenders and Casino School is back and so is Marilyn! Classes begin in January in the same location downtown on Second Street in Fort Myers. For over 20 years National has provided training for bartenders and in recent years added a casino dealers school. Mentioning the Beverage Underground can get you discounts. Call them at 239-334-6300. Sway Nightclub closed just a month after packing the place for International Superstar DJ ‘Tiesto’. Most of the staff was able to see the writing on the wall and went to the newly reworked V-Lounge in North Naples. ‘VIP Mike’ Messina hosts The V-Lounge and promoter Scott D’Antuano promises to keep bringing the top DJ’s and party experience every Saturday Night. You may have heard that a bar and nightclub named Alligator Rocks had opened in the Promenade in Bonita Springs in the old Aja location…well they did and then closed soon after. A slow start and the ‘dueling pianos’ theme didn’t work. No news if anyone will try that location again soon. Fifth Avenue in Naples has made resurgence in recent weeks as Holiday Events and some new options for casual dining have popped up in time for season. The Naples City Council is weighing options and may extend the entertainment licenses to allow live music in select locations ‘til 1 am very soon. Where are they now? For over a year now, Chris Zeo who was the General Sales Manager for JJ Taylor Beer Distributing has been improving the way restaurants and bars deal with the environment. Southeast Environmental can help your restaurant ‘Go Green’ by maintaining grease traps and disposing of waste organically.
Kendall-Jackson
Summation VINTNER’S RESERVE CALIFORNIA 2008 ABV: 13.5 %
Kendall-Jackson has recently released the premiere vintage of Summation, and this blend of ten varietals and the interpretation of Winemaster Randy Ullom have resulted in a white wine that delivers at every level. Expect the same high quality that has been synonymous with KJ, with rich layers of flavor and a delicate balance of California grapes. Wine with meals? Sure, but sometimes you just want to sip and drink, so in the past we’ve enjoyed Conundrum, but as its price rose our interest waned. And in the end, and in Summation, it’s a question of price and versatility that makes this wine so approachable. This is real good juice at the right price.
THE UNDERGROUND IS
Wishing you the safest, most profitable Holiday Season. Pouring It On Into The New Year Larry ‘Smokey’ Genta Publisher-Editor
Suzanne Peters
Director of Operations
Rusty Benzing
Designer / Tech Op
Phone 239-694-5000 info@BeverageUnderground.com A SUBSIDIARY OF BAR MECHANICS LLC
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Consumers Alter Buying HabitsSuper Premiums Losing Luster Are recent statistics that competition and sales of Vodka in the $10-20 price point an indicator that perhaps ‘the Goose’ is ready to ‘jump the shark’? From Vodka to Varietal Wines, sales are shifting as consumers and retailers are finding quality alternatives to higher profile and higher priced luxury brands. According to Nielsen data in the four weeks to October 17, both new and even some old brands of Vodka are benefiting while those that were associated with the old economy may be taking a bigger hit than expected. One of the hottest brands, and one that saw the greatest sales and promotional increases on-premise in the third quarter, is Constellation’s brand Svedka, which is up significantly registering a +17% gain on-premise. BrownForman’s Finlanda, a brand that has struggled for years is up +14% points and Diageo’s Smirnoff is up 10% points, benefiting from its rainbow of flavors. Skyy Vodka led the charge with significant increases in sales and visibility since last year, still registered a 4% point increase.
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“Bathtub gin” got its name from the fact that alcohol, glycerine and juniper juice was mixed in bottles or jugs too tall to be filled with water from a sink tap so they were commonly filled under a bathtub tap. So convinced were they that alcohol was the cause of virtually all crime, that on the eve of Prohibition (1920-1933), some towns actually sold their jails. During Prohibition, temperance activists hired a scholar to rewrite the Bible by removing all references to alcohol beverage. A major prohibitionist group, the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), taught as “scientific fact” that the majority of beer drinkers die from dropsie (swelling).
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Prohibition clearly benefited some people. Notorious bootlegger Al Capone made $60,000,000...that’s sixty million dollars...per year (untaxed!), while the average industrial worker earned less than $1,000 per year. Although Prohibition was repealed 75 years ago, there are still hundreds of dry counties across the United States today.
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Global Brews
Underground News MUSLIM MODEL WILL NOT
GET CANING FOR BEER DRINKING
An Islamic court in Malaysia indefinitely suspended the caning of a Muslim woman for drinking beer during a raid in Cherating, a beach town in Pahang. Muslim model Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno was sentenced to six strokes of the cane for drinking beer at a hotel bar in 2007. Muslims make up about 60% of Malaysia’s 27 million people and are subject to Islamic laws, which make it illegal to drink alcohol. Malaysian clubs and lounges typically serve alcohol and are not legally required to check if customers are Muslims before serving them. Non-Muslims are free to drink as they please. Ms. Kartika initially refused to appeal, and suggested that she take the caning in public to get it over with.
BLACK ART BEER & MIAMI’S KARU&Y HOOK UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS The rare Black Art pilsner beers, bottled by Braustolz GmbH in Germany, are now available in the US and will be featured at The Karu&Y Nightclub in Miami during the holidays and right through to the Super Bowl. The Braustolz brewery has been in operation since 1868 in accordance to the German Purity Laws of 1516, which results in unmatched and superior quality. The beer is available in two styles: Black Art Gold, which has a smooth light and refreshingly clean unmasked flavor and Black Art Dark, a delicious dark pilsner with rich flavorful taste. The Karu&Y is a 5000 sq ft dance club that has a restaurant with a Buddha garden and capacity for 1200 party goers. Nicky and Paris Hilton, Hugh Hefner and the Playboy girls have all visited the club since opening. Find out more about Black Art beer at www.BeverageUnderground.com
The Beverage Underground sends best wishes to Keith Stengel who was forced to close Ricochet after 14 years of business. Pretty difficult to find too many people that haven’t partied on a Tuesday Night ‘Coin Night’ or saw a great national act on stage at Ricochet. The City of Fort Myers killed the concert options with the 21 and up age restriction imposed within the city limits. Fort Myers Beach still has a few familiar restaurant and bar locations closed but visitors will still find plenty of new places as Luna Rossa is now occupying The Channelmark location. The Surf Club and Nemo’s on the Beach have fresh faces and there’s just something extra cool about seeing beachfront Christmas lights. The Bell Tower is becoming the restaurant row of south Fort Myers, as DaRuMa has announced that they will occupy the old Mole Hole location across from Bistro 41. DaRuMa has had locations in Naples and Sarasota for years and will offer traditional service or Teppan-style cooking at your table as well as a sushi and cocktail bar. DaRuMa will be directly across from Bistro 41. Svedka Vodka hosted a series of Tribute Rock Concerts at Vision Nightclub recently and although crowds could have been better, the music was especially good. Springsteen, AC/DC and the Journey tributes were amazing. The Van Halen one…not so much. Yabba Island Grill raised more money for The Children’s Museum in Naples when they donated proceeds from their November 28 Stone Crab Festival. It was some kind of good time, no brainer…Stone Crab Claws and beers were just $2. They have confirmed that it will now become an annual event on the Saturday after Thanksgiving every year. How cool will it be (if) when the Cubs come to town? The Chicago Cubs are close to announcing if they will break up with Mesa Arizona to come to Collier County by 2012. The hospitality business will benefit greatly and don’t be surprised if Southwest Florida becomes attractive to more teams in the future. The success of the Twins and Red Sox makes us a target for MLB. Knowing the Life Cycle of your Beverage Stock
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BRAND NEWS IRISH WHISKEY SALES SOAR IN BROWN THE CAPTAIN WORKS THE GRILL SPIRIT REVIVAL WITH YOUNG DRINKERS Look for a line of What Recession? Sales are up 18% in the Irish Whiskey category over 52 week period ending October 2009. Younger drinkers are reviving ‘brown spirits’ sales and hand-crafted artisan Irish Whiskeys have begun to enter the marketplace with great interest and initial success. The ‘Wild Geese, Irish Soldiers and Heroes’ collection comes from Cooley’s which is the last independent Irish-owned distillery in Ireland. Cooley’s was voted the ‘World Distillery of the Year” in 2008 by the Beverage Council. The line consists of three items a Classic Blend, Rare Blend, and Single Malt, a complex, elegant, and long offering that stands out against the most famous single Malt Scotch Whiskies. These limited supply Irish treasures are imported by Admiral Imports and available now throughout Florida from Republic-National Distributing.
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sauces, glazes and marinades that will be produced under the Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum brand name. This new Captain Morgan product line follows in the footsteps of a several other liquor brands, such as Evan Williams, Jim Beam and Jack Daniels. According to Michael Stone, president and CEO of The Beanstalk Group, a brand licensing agency and consultancy, “Given that so many people grill as they drink alcohol, it seems a natural extension and a unique food-and-drink pairing”. We like it…By adding the delicious flavor of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, everyday cooks can spice up any meal.”
There are more aisles, more shelves and way more brands than there were in your grandfathers liquor store. Here are some classic brands, all which were the most advertised and most popular brands of their day.
A. Dagger ___ B. Passport ___ C. Andecker ___ D. Antique ___ E. Carling ___
F. Guckenheimer G. White Horse H. Four Roses I. Two Fingers J. Dixie Belle
___ ___ ___ ___ ___
Some numbers are used more than once. 5. Jamaican Rum 6. Tequila 2. Gin 3. American Whiskey 7. Beer 8. Wine 4. Bourbon 1. Scotch
Answers Page: 15
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FRENCH SEEK TO PROTECT ‘CHAMPAGNE’ CLASSIFICATION A ‘blitz’ ad campaign to remind consumers and US lawmakers that “Champagne only comes from Champagne, France” will be making its way to selected markets and national publications over the next several weeks. Dubbed “Unmask the Truth” the campaign demands lawmakers protect wine place names on wines sold in the United States. At the same time the hope is consumers realize that 50% of sparkling wine in the US is mislabeled as champagne. The aggressive ad, by a group called The Champagne Bureau, which represents the grape growers and houses of Champagne France, features a sparkling wine bottle that reads “American Champagne,” that is partly covered by a mask. The ad will appear in print and online in top national newspapers such as the New York Times, and Washington Post and at TheEconomist.com as well as placements on select American Airlines flights and drive time radio. The campaign also includes print advertisements in influential news magazines like The New Yorker and TIME.
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We Say Them All The Time. But WTF Do They Actually Mean? 1. The legendary NYC Live Music Venue ‘CBGB’? CBGB: 2. The station that sells everything called QVC? QVC: 3. One on every corner ‘Drug’ Store CVS? CVS: 4. The AFLAC that the duck works for? AFLAC: 5. The ISBN that’s on every book sold on the planet? ISBN: 6. The O.J. in Simpson? OJ: 7. The gecko promotes it GEICO? GEICO:
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8. The FTD on the flowers truck? FTD: 9. Not the old car company…the AMC theaters? AMC: 10. Why was the Key West PD afraid of RICO in 1984? RICO: Answers Page: 15 ADVERTISING INCLUDES ONLINE, IN PRINT, AND SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING • CALL 239-694-5000
BEVERAGES back in the day Before there were soda guns, or cocktails that called for specific soft drinks like ‘Rum & Coke® and even before ‘7 & 7®’ there was ‘Bubble Up’, the very first lemon-lime soda. Founded in 1917 by Sweet Valley Productions in Sandusky, Ohio and at least 10 years prior to its more popular competitor ‘7-Up®’, Bubble Up was a regional brand until the brand went nationwide as the Bubble Up Company, Inc. of Chicago. With the tag line, “A Taste of Lemon, A Taste of Lime”, Bubble Up was distributed in the Coca-Cola bottler network prior to the creation of Sprite. Monarch Beverage Company in Atlanta purchased the brand in 1978 and since 2007 Bubble Up is owned by and distributed by Dad’s Root Beer Co. of Jasper Indiana, along with regional brands Dr. Wells and Sun Crest orange soda.
Bubble Up is available locally at The Sandy Butler Gourmet Market and all Fresh Market locations
5614 2nd St W, Lehigh Acres
ENERGY, SPORT AND BEVERAGES IN THE MIX
COKE AND SANTA ARE THE REAL THING SINCE 1931!
It was the Coca-Cola Company and their annual advertising campaign that has established the image that most Americans identify as the classic Santa Claus. Coca Cola asked commercial illustrator Haddon Sundblom to create a series of drawings that depicted Santa cooling off with a Coke back in 1931. Even though other long bearded Santas in red suits with white fur trimming had appeared in print prior to the first Coca-Cola Santa Claus, it was a magazine advertisement that created this 78-year-old icon. Santa with Coke was originally a marketing campaign to help boost sales of the soft drink during the sluggish winter months that quickly grew to billboards, newspapers and in-store advertising that many Americans used as Christmas décor during the Great Depression.
SWEET LEAF ADDS TWO NEW ORGANIC TEAS Combining tea varieties with the new ‘superfruits’ combines wellness capabilities and are marketplace ‘hot’. Consumers are young hip and ready to mix tea with juices, energy drinks and smoothies, and the Sweet Leaf Tea Company of Austin Texas has produced all natural tea blends since 1998. Sweet Leaf Original Sweet Tea, Mint & Honey Green Tea, Peach Iced Tea, Raspberry Iced Tea and two new flavors, Lemon Iced Tea and Citrus Green Tea are all USDA Certified Organic and are now available in 16-ounce aluminium cans. The two new flavors, Lemon Iced Tea and Citrus Green Tea that will launch in January 2010. Sweet Leaf Teas are available at Fresh Market and they mix just great with your lunch, but even better in ‘Outrageous Cocktails’.
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DRINK THIS SHOT…AND YOU JUST MIGHT FEEL BETTER
Innovative Beverage Products of Las Vegas developed three great-tasting Health Shots™, a small shot-type drink that contain specific ingredients that target growing health concerns. The company is getting attention for Immunity, its newest addition, Immunity to Health Shot product line. The company said that the new addition is a 4-oz ready-to-drink beverage with MaxImmune that some studies have shown to reduce symptoms of the common cold and flu.
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360° Vodka CFL Gift Set
H p n o t i q G i f t Wi t h Glasses
360° Vodka introduces the World’s First Eco-Friendly Gift Set, that which includes a 750-milliliter bottle of vodka, an energy-saving Philips Compact Fluorescent Light bulb, and a “100% recycled 360° Vodka Guide to Going Green.” The theory is that the savings you obtain from the CFL bulb will pay for the gift set over the life span of the bulb.
The Hpnotiq gift set features a couple etched glasses and the head-turning aqua blue liqueur that is made with vodka, cognac, and tropical flavors. Hpnotiq’s refreshing blend can be mixed to make a myriad of cocktails and shooters. Very popular with females and as a shooter, Hpnotiq is light enough at 34° to be enjoyed by itself and on the rocks in your new glasses.
Old Forester Gift Celebrates 75 Years of Prohibition Repeal
Old Forester Bourbon celebrates the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition with a gift set that features a 1933 style bottle of 100 proof Bourbon, a scroll print with the 21st Amendment, an Old Forester snifter and an Old Forester pen. Old Forester was one of a handful of distillers licensed to produce Bourbon for medicinal use during Prohibition.
Agavero Tequila Gift Set
Agavero is an ultrapremium spirit that is created from a blend of 100% blue agave añejo and reposado tequilas hand blended with the essence of Damiana Flower. The Tequila blend is then hand blended with the essence of Damiana flower, a flower found in Jalisco. Damiana has been rumored to be a natural aphrodisiac… like tequila needs some help.
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Bud Gifts Are Holiday Favorites Frangelico Perfect After Dinner The King of Beers always has great gifts for beer drinkers and just one of the offerings is a set of four Holiday aluminum bottles of Budweiser in a metal tin that will be perfect to save your change for beer money! Look for collector Budweiser Steins and other items perfect for Bud drinkers everywhere.
Stir It Up With Chambord Gift Set Chambord is still the classic premium, all-natural black raspberry liqueur, and this set adds a bottle of Stirrings Wild Blueberry Mixer and a pamphlet of proprietary cocktails for home mixing. Chambord is produced in the Loire Valley of France and is flavored with raspberries and blackberries in a Cognac and other French spirits base.
Frangelico, the delicious hazelnut liqueur from Canale, Italy is always a great holiday gift that goes perfect in coffee or on the rocks any time of year. The distinctive packaging, which pays tribute to the famous painter and Dominican order friar ‘Fra Angelico’ graces back bars around the world. Two high quality logo etched glasses come in this set.
Van Gogh Five Flavor Gift Vincent Van Gogh Vodka wants you to try their tropical flavored vodkas with this gift set that features four 50 ML samples of imported Van Gogh flavors along with a .750 ML bottle of their classic 80° version. The four sample flavors included are coconut, melon, mango, and pineapple. Perfect to mix the holiday away.
“Christmas at my house is always at least six or seven times more pleasant than anywhere else. We start drinking early. And while everyone else is seeing only one Santa Claus, we’ll be seeing six or seven.” - W.C. Fields
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DONALD HESS’ PASSION FOR ART AND VINES CREATES A WORLDWIDE COLLECTION
Imagine inheriting your family beer business at the age of 20. Swiss born entrepreneur Donald Hess did just that, but soon after discovering a fresh alpine spring, he had the vision to switch focus and converted the company’s revenue from beer to mineral water. Donald Hess founded Swiss Valser Wasser, and he pioneered direct home deliveries of water in the 60’s. However, it was his first trip to Napa, and introduction to legendary winemakers that solidified his enthusiasm for the grape. Donald Hess has made the world a better place because his passions center more in art and nature than owning sports teams. Hess purchased his first Napa Valley vineyard in 1978 and soon after acquired the old Christian Brothers property on Mount Veeder, which is now the home of Hess Collection winery, as well as part of his collection of modern art. Today, Hess Family Estates own six New World cellars and vineyards: the Hess Collection and Artezin Wines in Napa, Sequana Wines in Russian River, Glen Carlou Vineyards in South Africa; Bodega Colomé in Argentina, as well as the major share in Peter Lehmann Wines, Australia. Donald Hess has maintained an energetic and fun approach to life, and it has much to do with his respect for artists and winemakers. Believing that contemporary art should accessible to the widest possible audience, all the Hess museums are free of charge and open to the public. His Napa Valley collection opened in 1989 in the original winery built in 1903. The Museum at the Glen Carlou Winery outside Paarl South Africa opened in 2006, and his latest passion in Bodega Colomé, not only has an art gallery but also has a stunning hotel about a four hours’ drive from Salta, in Northwest Argentina.
WINEMAKER CELEBRITIES ANNIKA SORENSTAM AND KYLE MACLACHLAN HEADLINE NAPLES WINE FEST Powerhouse vintners from the most lauded small-production wine estates around the globe will converge on January 29-31 for the 10th Annual Naples Winter Wine Festival, and this year LPGA Legend Annika Sorenstam and Film and TV actor Kyle MacLachlan will be bringing their wines as two of twelve first time vintner participants. The event brings many of the world’s finest vintners and chefs together with wine collectors and philanthropists for a three-day gala that is the most successful charity wine auction in the nation. Eighteen of the vintners are making a return appearance at the festival that features thirty diversified producers from Spain, Argentina, Italy, Oregon and California, as well as the historic French regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy will be at auction this year. This year will also mark the first time that a vintner from South Africa will attend. The Naples Winter Wine Festival has raised more than $74 million for the Naples Children & Education Foundation, which is making a difference in the quality of children’s lives. The proceeds support many charitable programs that improve the physical, emotional and educational lives of underprivileged and at risk children in Collier County.
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C fé A Taste Of Culture
TOPLESS COFFEE SHOP BEATS THE HEAT AND RE-OPENS IN MAINE DISPITE FIRE The Grand View Topless Coffee Shop has reopened in Vassalboro, Maine after the original location was torched back in June after a suspicious fire. That blaze was ruled arson and it came just hours after owner Donald Crabtree met with local officials about making his coffee business more like a strip club. He got approval to stay open late and offer music for waitresses to dance to, and now he’ll get the chance. The Topless Coffee Shop had angered many residents and had been open just four months before the fire was set. Somebody must like the idea; Crabtree had 150 applicants for 10 jobs at the new and improved location. Coffee Fact: Espresso Coffee has just one third of the caffeine content of ordinary coffee.
SEATTLE’S BEST TAKES SUBWAY TO DISTRIBUTION By the end of 2009, around 9,000 Subway restaurants in the US will feature Seattle’s Best Coffee, with plans to expand into more restaurants during 2010. Subway restaurants will feature a fully branded Seattle’s Best Coffee program, and will brew Seattle’s Best Blend, Henry’s Blend and Decaf Seattle’s Best Blend. Coffee Fact: Coffee is the second most traded product in the world after petroleum. World wide coffee production tips the scales at about 6 million metric tons.
BUDGET FLIGHTS GET GOURMET COFFEE
AirTran Airways makes you pay for luggage but they have added illy issimo Latte Macchiato to its in-flight drink menu. The espresso coffee will be available complimentary to business class passengers and for $4 to coach class passengers. illy Issimo is a joint venture between The Coca-Cola Company and illyCaffe Spa of Trieste, Italy.
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Coffee Quote: I judge a restaurant by the bread and by the coffee. -Burt Lancaster
ANOTHER REASON TO LOVE THE BEANS The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease revealed statistics from a 21-year study that concluded that those who regularly drink three to five cups of coffee a day might beat the crazies. Once they you reach middle age, that amount of caffeinated coffee reduced the risk of contracting Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 65%.
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Signature U.K. Beer Series A Collector’s Item Shipyard Brewing Company has released its popular Pugsley’s Signature Series collection in a fourbottle sampler box. The Signature Series sampler pack contains one each of the four 22 oz. beers; Smashed Pumpkin, XXXX IPA, Imperial Porter, and Barley Wine Style Ale. This series is named after Shipyard’s master brewer, Alan Pugsley, whose career began in England where he worked under the tutelage of renowned brewer Peter Austin at the worldfamous Ringwood Brewery in Hampshire. Pugsley moved to the United States in 1986 to consult on the construction of dozens of North American breweries before partnering with Fred Forsley at the Shipyard Brewing Company in 1992. Available from Republic-National Distributing Co.
FIND THIS BEER
KALIK
Pale Lager ‘The Beer of the Bahamas’ 5% ABV For over two centuries, the Bahamas has celebrated the festival of Junkanoo and the party continues with Kalik beer. Brewed from the finest selected malt, hops and pure water by the Commonwealth Brewery of Nassau, Kalik has received four Monde Selection Gold Medals by the International Institute for Quality Selections in Brussels, Belgium. The beer is light and the taste is so good you won’t need the lime. We suggest that you make it a point to find this beer and celebrate Goombay Summer all year long.
GOT $300 MILLION? YOU CAN OWN PABST Pabst Brewing Co., which owns the Pabst and Schlitz beer brands as well as nearly 40 others, is up for sale again. Sales of the Pabst brand have stabilized after increases in the early part of this decade when it gained some notoriety with a younger demographic as a hip old school beer. In the past three years they sought to revive Schlitz in the same way, but results have been mixed. The company also owns iconic brands such as Old Style and Special Export. Pabst was founded in 1844 in Milwaukee and became one of the country’s largest brewers. In 1975, Pabst beer accounted for 45% of all beer sold in Wisconsin and in 1976 Pabst held 11.2% of the national market.
Southwest Florida’s Original Cigar Bar Hospitality Industry Nite (H.I.P.) Every Sunday - Live Entertainment
WALK-IN HUMIDOR @ TWO LOCATIONS Downtown Fort Myers - 239-337-4662 | Gulf Coast Town Center - 239-267-6020 Visit us online @ www.WorldFamousCigarBar.com
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Miller & Moulton’s
BAR STOOL BANTER
Bring on the ‘Old Style’…and Cubs too!
www.GulfCoastTownCenter.com
If the Chicago Cubs were to move their minor league and spring training operations from Arizona to Naples, which is being considered in case you haven’t been paying attention, think of the food and drink possibilities! The Cubs are likely to create a “Wrigleyville” experience, complete with bars and restaurants that would make Naples feel like the Northside. Old Style beer would HAVE to become part of southwest Florida’s bar experience. Currently Old Style is not available in Florida, except for a small distributor in Pensacola. Sam Adams sales in the area are far above what you would expect, obviously inspired by the Red Sox and many of their fans being here. Uno’s, Auriello’s, Mulligan’s and Cigar Bar are just a few of the places where you would expect to see Old Style on tap as soon as next year, IF the Cubs come to Naples (For the record, the Cubs are not expected to make a final decision for another 4-6 months. They would not officially move to Naples before 2012 and likely would arrive in 2013). Bartenders and bar owners would need to stock up on their brandy. Brandy and Coke, Brandy Manhattans and dare we go “old school”, say a Brandy Alexander could become very popular drinks in southwest Florida as we begin the next decade. If we can have a few New York-style deli’s, one would certainly expect to see a few Chicago eateries that specialized in deep-dish pizza, Portillo sandwiches and beef hot dogs. Are you hungry? Because writing this, we’re now starving. A recent study indicated that outside of the immediate Chicago area, the two-county region with the highest percentage of former Chicago residents in the country, is Lee and Collier Counties. Whether the Cubs come or not, maybe some area businesses, especially those from Bonita south (higher concentrate in Collier than Lee), need to take that into consideration when thinking about ways to improve business? So let’s roll out the red carpet for the Cubs (sign up to support their potential move to Naples www.FloridaCubs.com) and watch the Old Style, Brandy, deep dish pizza, Chicago beef sandwiches and Vienna beef hot dogs become a big part of the southwest Florida bar and restaurant scene. Move over seafood and margaritas. Here comes Chicago! One can only hope.
‘Miller & Moulton In The Afternoon’ Weekdays 2-7 PM - www.770ESPN.com READ BACK ISSUES OF THE BEVERAGE UNDERGROUND ONLINE VISIT WWW.BEVERAGEUNDERGROUND.COM
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Gift Cards Boost Sales & Smiles Every month John “Johnny” Creus will share tips for better service. Find John @ The Reserve AskJohnny@BeverageUnderground.com
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 arrival. One way to extend and fully take advantage of this season as a consumer and employer are Gift Cards or Gift Certificates.
If you think about it, giving gift cards as presents will not only affect the recipient, but the community and economy as a whole. It promotes spending and the business you brought it from. More cash flow into the local businesses benefits us all. Also, if you get your timing right, many businesses have gift card specials during this holiday season. So don’t be afraid or ashamed to give a gift card. It’s one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give this season. “Ask Johnny” Sponsored By
Curtis E. O’Brien
Financial Consultant | Southern Division
9350 Marketplace Road, Suite 101 Fort Myers, FL 33912 Tel: (239) 225-6560 x 311 Fax: (239) 225-6860 Cell: (239) 935-9644 curtis.obrien@axa-advisors.com
Underground Tri rage b e another one that b v t it the ute Beising a glass o du
a “R
st”
Stevie Tomato’s Sports Page 1999-2009
Solve It. Enter It. And Win A Free Happy Hour Party Enter Online @ www.BeverageUnderground.com/sudoku/ October Winners Party @ The Reserve - Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers
Haught Sudoku
In the past, I would agree that giving a gift card as a present was an “easy-out” in gift giving. It requires less thought and it isn’t as personable. But oh, how my mind has changed. A $20 or $10 gift card to one of my favorite eateries or retail locations has become one of my favorite gifts.
Difficulty Rating
HERE’S HOW TO PLAY
The goal is to use every number from 1 to 9 without repeating that number in any column across row down or within any 3x3 block. There’s no math involved - no need to count or add up. Just use logic to solve the puzzle.
1 3 9
5
Brown &Haught
Financial Group, Inc.
6 7
5 5 6 7 2 3
2 9 8 3
7 5 6
3 4
4
1 9 1
James R. Haught 12800 University Dr # 155 Fort Myers, FL 33907 (239) 415-4650
It was the first ‘Sports Page’ and after ten years as Stevie Tomato’s the doors abruptly closed on the popular sports bar off of Pine Ridge Road in mid-October. Originally opened in the 80’s by Ed Messer, the location enjoyed great success through the years as was undeniably the best sports bar in Naples for many years.
239.274.0088 - 239.277.0028 fax 877.251.0088 toll free www.GendronFuneralHome.com
(239) 332-5483 PAGE 14
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Jay McAuley Bistro 41
“Jay’s the Sexiest Bartender in SWFL” - Cindie Barker THE FACTS: Hometown: Montrose, MI Favorite Band: The Doors Favorite Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life Favorite Sports Team: Anybody from Michigan Your Hidden Talent: I’m an excellent dancer What do you drink? Kettle-N-Soda Favorite Bar to Drink At? Buddha Favorite Bar Joke or Bar Trick? Flasher opens his coat and flashes 3 nuns, 1st one has a stroke, 2nd one has a stroke, and the 3rd one doesn’t touch it.
From coast to coast, the experts all agree. 360 Vodka is the #1 best tasting vodka in the U.S.
Pet Peeve/Customer: People who talk on the cellphone at a bar. Pet Peeve fellow worker: Tardiness What liquor do wish your bar carried? Absinthe Where is your dream bartending job? St. George Tavern.
We took home the gold — for great vodka. No wonder. 360’s quadruple-distilled for a smooth finish and optimal eco-efficiency. Revolutionary bottle, made of 85% recycled glass. Labels made of 100% PCW paper, and printed with water-based inks. Green and Gold never looked so good!
Happy Holidays! 239.466.4141
13499 S. Cleveland Ave.
Ft Myers In The Bell Tower Shops Bistro41.com
© 2009 Earth Friendly Distilling Co., Weston, MO 40% alc./vol. (80 Proof) Distilled From American Grain Vodka360.com Drink Responsibly. Drive Responsibly. Exist Responsibly.
Abbreviated Icons Quiz 1. CBGB: Country Blue Grass and Blues 2. OJ: Orenthal James 3. CVS: Consumer Value Stores 4. AFLAC: American Family Life Assurance Company 5. ISBN: International Standard Book Number 6. QVC: Quality, Value, Convenience 7. GEICO: Government Employees Insurance Company 8. FTD: Florists Transworld Delivery 9. AMC: American Multi Cinema 10. RICO: The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act
48-???? 360 Gold Medal Ad - Beverage Underground - QP4C.indd 1 360 Gold Medals Ad | Job # 48-2756 Date: 11.25.09
Media/Pub: Beverage Underground
1/4 Page Ad: 3.875” x 5”
v 01
11/25/09 10:19:16 AM
Classic Brands Quiz A:5, B:1, C:7, D:4, E:7, F:3, G:1, H:3, I:6, J:2 FOR ALL YOUR HOLIDAY COCKTAIL RECIPES VISIT WWW.OUTRAGEOUSCOCKTAILS.COM
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Hospitality Industry Professional Announces Campaign for Lee County Commission Seat Next year Lee County voters will have the chance to select someone who knows how important the Hospitality Industry is to the local economy. Debbie Jordan, who has served as the president of the Lee/Charlotte chapter of Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, and currently serves on the state board of the FLRA has announced that she’ll force a Democratic primary for Lee County Commission District 2, which is the seat now held by Brian Bigelow. Jordan, 51, the managing partner of Hogbody’s in Cape Coral and has been in the area for almost as many years as her opponents age. She has been a driving force of the River & Blues Fest which will be celebrating its 17th year while Deb Jordan campaigns. The completely volunteer driven River & Blues Fest has raised over $155,000 for local charities. Jordan will seek donations and the 3,000 petition signatures that is required to waive the election $3000 filing fee. Other hospitality industry professionals urged Debbie to run and know her as a relentless worker and consensus says it’s about time that the Hospitality Industry, and our community, has the opportunity to have representation in Lee County Government. The Beverage Underground knows and endorses Deb Jordan for Lee County Commisioner. “I want this county to be the best it can be, and I know I have a lot to offer”, Jordan said. “A lot of people may not know me because I’m in the background. I’m the volunteer for everything”, Jordan added.
OPEN ALL NIGHT
MOE MONDAY Any menu burrito, regular drink, all you can eat chips & Salsa
5
ON LY
$ 55
Every Monday 3pm til close
Fort Myers
Fort Myers
Estero
Naples
Naples
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415-6637
948-9071
594-0065
593-4998
GCTC Mall Corner of Daniels & 41 Coconut Point Mall Immokalee Rd & 41 Airport Rd & Naples Blvd
10
$
Per Month $29.00 annual fee. Low enrollment fee.
Over 80 pieces of cardio 15501 Old McGregor Blvd., Ft. Myers equipment Full service locker room FREE unlimited group
(239) 433-1616 2650 Tamiami Trail East, Naples
(239) 417-1010
JOIN ONLINE WWW.PLANETFITNESS.COM
ONE WEEK FREE TRIAL!
Must present coupon. Expires Jan. 31st, ‘10
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