Restaurant Business Expansion: How to Successfully Open Your Second (or 22nd) Location

Picture this: Your restaurant is thriving. Your staff is happy, your customers are coming back, and your wallet is bursting. Things are going SO well that it might have you thinking if it’s time to open another location.

Is your dream is to grow the community and ethos behind your restaurant to other cities? It might be time to consider opening an additional restaurant location. The decision to open a second, third, or twentieth restaurant isn’t an easy one. It takes a lot of thought and planning to ensure a painless execution.

Over the past five years, the multi-location restaurants in the United States have grown by 3.5 percent to reach a predicted revenue of $144 billion in 2019. In the same timeframe, the number of multi-location businesses has grown by 2.7 percent and the number of employees has grown by 3.5 percent.

If you want to grow and expand your business, but don’t know where to start, have no fear. From the first thought about opening a new restaurant to opening day and beyond, we’ve compiled everything you need to know to successfully operate a multi-location restaurant.

How to Know You’re Ready for Business Expansion

There’s no simple, straightforward way to know if you’re ready to open an additional restaurant location. Here are some important questions to ask yourself before you start planning.

• Are you so busy you can’t handle the crowds?
• Do your customers travel from distant cities to visit your restaurant?
• Do you have funding?
• Will opening another restaurant increase your capital?
• Are you willing to put in the hours?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, congratulations! You’re ready to open an additional restaurant. 

Why a Solid Support System is Key to a Successful Expansion 

For some restaurant owners, checking the boxes above isn’t enough to take the leap into opening a new restaurant. Having a reliable team behind you is necessary to give the push you need.To read the full article follow the link

Know your ABVs when drinking alcohol

By.Connor Cyrus

Vermont health officials want the public to better understand the varying amounts of alcohol in products on the market, because in many cases it could be higher than you think. 

It's Restaurant Week in Vermont. Many restaurants will be showcasing their food and drinks by offering a fixed menu at a discounted rate. One of those places is Citizen Cider.

New to the world of cider and can't decide on what to get? Many people will turn to a flight. That's five sample size cups each filled with a different flavor. At Citizen Cider, there's no shortage of options. 

“We have 10 different ciders on draft all the time, so if you don't have a lot of experience with cider or you want to have even more experience with cider, I think that we are really the premier place to go,” said Meghan Garry with Citizen Cider.

When it comes to Alcohol by Volume (ABV), the cider itself is held to a pretty high standard. It's controlled by the ATB, or the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. 

Any cider being sold outside the building can't have more than 6.9 percent alcohol, but inside alcohol content can be higher

Citizen Cider officials say they keep their product within the 5 to 6 percent alcohol content. 

“Basically, that's pretty general for a cider. If it's lower, it tends to be sweeter and we try to have more dry ciders,” said Cheray MacFarland, with Citizen Cider.

This is important to know anywhere an adult over the age of 21 plans to drink. Vermont Department of Health officials say craft breweries, wineries and distilleries can have a higher ABV than what's recommended for one glass. They say not all alcohol is created equal. 

The state defines a drink as a 12 ounce beer with 5 percent alcohol, 1.5 ounces of 80 proof liquor, or a 5 ounce glass of wine at 12 percent. That means you may be getting more than just one drink in one glass.

“A 16 ounce, 9 percent beer is really 2.4 drinks,” said the health department's Kelly Dougherty. 

Not sure what you're getting? Check the menu or ask a bartender. 

At Citizen Cider, the staff has no problem cutting you off if you start to get rowdy. 

“We want to make sure that everyone in the restaurant is having a great experience because that one person who is drinking too much can ruin the experience for everybody that's in here,” Garry said. 

Health experts say it takes an hour to metabolize one standard drink. That means you may have to wait before heading home at the end of the night or get yourself a ride.

Netflix And Sip: Best Wines To Pair With Your Favorite TV Shows

Admit it: It's fun to throw on a blanket and binge-watch TV. With abundant streaming services—Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, there are more high quality shows now than ever. While many of you may have a go-to snack, but how about the perfect drink? 

To make your binge-watching session even better, I asked several experts for the best show and wine pairings. Here are their top picks, cheers!

Billions

When you’re watching a show fueled by power and complexity, you need to drink a rich, full-bodied and multi-layered wine. Paul Hobbs’ Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard—a 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($350/bottle)—certainly fits the bill.

Much like the show’s intriguing plot twists, the opulent flavors—of dark fruit, contrasting bright cherries and anise—layer over esoteric flavors of new leather. Hobbs frames his wine with a satisfying tannic texture, which drives you through a powerful and provocative finish.However, “if you're stretching a salary at the DA's office, go for a more accessible Cabernet from Julien Fayard like the 2016 Idiosyncrasy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($45/bottle).” Created in a premier vineyard site by one of Napa’s top winemakers, this Cabernet displays just the right mix of bold and powerful qualities that characterize Axe and Chuck.

—Vanessa Conlin: Head of Wine for Wine Access 

The Crown

If you want to feel as royal as Queen Elizabeth, the 1907 Madeira D'Oliveiras Malvasia 1907 ($825/bottle) is a must-try. As a long-time favorite of British royalty since 1455, Madeira wines have found its way into British history on several occasions. In 1455, the popular Portuguese wines were notably banned from Charles II’s broad importation ban of all European wares. In 1478, the Duke of Clarence—brother of Edward VI—received a death sentence for treason, and he decided to drown in a barrel of Madeira. History aside, this wine will charm you with its "complex yet sweet flavors along with hints of dried apricot, quince and caramel."

Meanwhile, for those with a less regal budget, pick the NV Ridgeview “Bloomsbury” Brut ($36/bottle). “Made in South Sussex, this English Quality Sparkling Wine was the official wine served for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and has refreshing notes of citrus, apples and sweet honey.”

—Bill Burkhart, Sommelier at The Grill Room in the Windsor Court Hotel, New Orleans

Game of Thrones

When I think of Game of Thrones, I think of magical dragons, the impending threat of a long winter and a race to the throne. So what should you pour before catching the final season’s premiere? I would suggest a burgundy. As an extension of GoT’s ‘tale of medieval intrigue,’ I reckon Charles the Great’s favorite wine—Pinot Noir—could be an excellent choice for setting the mood. In particular, I'd recommend splurging on the 2011 Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret Richebourg Grand Cru ($349/bottle)—a highly elegant wine with complex and rich flavors such as ripe strawberry and cinnamon notes, resulting in a velvety feeling on the palate.

— Jon Griffiths, Corporate Beverage Director of Datz Restaurant Group in Tampa, Florida

As a cheaper—but no less impressive—alternative, the official Game of Thrones Pinot Noir 2016 ($15 to $27/bottle on Drizly) is a must-try for wine-drinkers and GoT fans alike. Beyond its inspiration by the show’s “complexity and nuances, the wine also has nobility and pedigree tied to its premium vineyard sources in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.” This pays tribute to the lineage of the noble houses of the Seven Kingdoms, which is further enhanced by the imprinted corks with either the House Tyrell or House Martell sigil.Click to read full article

Synthetic 'Alcarelle' Promises to Make You Feel Drunk Without the Hangover

The scientist David Nutt has big plans for Alcarelle, his “hangover-free” alternative to alcohol. The English professor, famous for his research on how psychedelics affect the brain, said in 2016 that his concoction could replace all regular alcohol by 2050. Now, he’s offering a more temperate prediction: Alcarelle will be publicly available in five years; an alternative to boozy options at the bar.

In an interview published Tuesday in the The Guardian, Nutt explains that Alcarelle is intended to induce that tipsy, social feeling you get from drinking alcohol without the ensuing pain and health problems. The goal is for drink companies to eventually incorporate Alcarelle into their products, creating an alternative option to alcoholic drinks. In that scenario, Alcarelle would be regulated as a food additive. 

While Alcarelle is the name of the synthetic alcohol, its active ingredient is an alcohol replacement molecule dubbed “alcosynth.” Nutt describes the molecule as an alcohol antidote and says he discovered it while researching how to reverse drunkenness in 1983 as a Ph.D. student. He says that alcosynth activates the GABA receptors — neurotransmitters that send chemical messages through the brain and nervous system — that induce tipsiness, causing an almost-alcohol effect.

Alcohol is linked to numerous health consequences.

“We know where in the brain alcohol has its ‘good’ effects and ‘bad’ effects, and what particular receptors mediate that — GABA, glutamate, and other ones such as serotonin and dopamine,” Nutt says. “The effects of alcohol are complicated but … you can target the parts of the brain you want to target.” 

Only time — and regulation — will tell whether Alcarelle actually makes it to market. As of now, Nutt and his team are the only ones slurping it down (mixed with some fruit juice).Click to continue the full article

Is Karaoke recreation? Beer license for new Salt Lake singing room hinges on the answer

By Dennis Romboy, KSL | Posted - Mar 27th, 2019

Members of the Utah alcohol commission are wrestling with that question as they decide whether to grant Heart & Seoul Karaoke a license to sell beer at its new downtown location.

Brody Horton, co-owner of Heart & Seoul, made his case before the Utah Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission Tuesday, but left without a permit, at least for now. A Provo location has been open for 18 months, but its proximity to the Provo City Center Temple precludes it from having a liquor license.

Commissioners expressed concern about opening the door to other businesses seeking a recreational beer license and weren't sure how or if karaoke fits under the law.

"I'm having some trouble," Chairman John T. Nielsen said.

State liquor law defines a recreational amenity as a billiard parlor, bowling facility, golf course, miniature golf, golf driving range, tennis club, sports arena, concert venue or "substantially similar" activity.

Horton argued Heart & Seoul, patterned after Korean singing rooms, qualifies. Customers, he said, are coming for an activity.

"They're not paying to drink and also sing karaoke. They’re not paying to drink and also bowl. They’re not paying to drink and also throw an ax across the room," he said.

Ax throwing raised an interesting point.

Last March, the commission approved a beer license for Social Axe under the "substantially similar" clause, making it the first establishment in Utah where it's OK to hurl a sharp blade attached to a wooden handle at a target while downing a cold brew.

"If we can approve axe throwing, karaoke seems safer with alcohol than axes," said Commissioner Sophia DiCaro. "If we have flexibility to call it recreational, I think it's one where call a spade a spade. It looks recreational to me."

Horton and co-owner Matt Smith explained that alcohol would be served only in singing rooms where everyone is 21 or older. Drinks would be limited to three per person and tallied on a wristband. Large windows in each room would allow staff to monitor the activity, Smith said.

Whether it's an ax or a microphone, people are paying for an experience, renting a room or renting an alley, as is the case for bowling, Horton said.

"You’ve done your homework. Are you in law school? You ought to go to law school. That’s pretty persuasive," Nielsen said.

Commissioner Thomas Jacobson told Horton he liked his argument, but said recreation involved physical activity and karaoke is stationary.

Horton begged to differ. The definition of recreation, he said, doesn't include anything about physical activity. Rather, it's activity done outside of work.

"I would love to put a heart rate monitor on you for billiards and karaoke and compare the two," he said.

Jacobson said allowing karaoke would set a precedent for allowing reading clubs seeking alcohol licenses.

"My concern is how far people will take it from here. Where do we go next?" he said.

Horton said Heart & Seoul shouldn't be affected by the fear of future businesses that may not have their things "buttoned down or as secure as we have presented it."

Jacobson said commissioners were inclined to turn down Heart & Seoul's request for a beer license. But after listening to Horton's arguments, "instead of no … we want to try to help you and we need to find the proper category to put you in, assuming there is one."

The commission voted unanimously to defer a decision until its April meeting.

7-Eleven's new 'Lab Store' features taqueria, craft beer station

By Thomas BarrabiPublished March 27, 2019

7-Eleven became the latest retailer to experiment with a new convenience store format this month, unveiling a “Lab Store” in Dallas, Texas that features everything from street tacos to a craft beer refilling station.

Dubbed an “experimental testing ground” by 7-Eleven officials, the lab store debuted on March 22. The location features indoor and outdoor seating and a streamlined checkout process that allows customers to pay through their phones.

The store’s food and beverage options include a coffee and smoothie bar, a station called “The Cellar” selling wine and craft beers, a frozen yogurt and ice cream bar and various baked goods that are made on site. In addition, the experimental format includes alcohol beverages on tap and a Laredo Taco Company counter, featuring handmade tortillas and various Tex-Mex offerings.

“Convenience retailing is light years away from the days of bread and milk being sold from ice docks in 1927, and the industry is changing at a faster rate than ever before,” said Chris Tanco, 7-Eleven executive vice president and chief operating officer. “7-Eleven stays at the forefront by pushing the boundaries and being unafraid to try new things. This new lab store will serve as a place to test, learn and iterate new platforms and products to see what really resonates with customers and how we can use those learnings to influence future store designs.”Click the link to continue reading

No kids allowed: Key Largo welcomes first adult-only resort

Samantha Branca

KEY LARGO, FLA. (WSVN) - Bungalows Key Largo, an adult-only resort, is offering a one-of-a-kind experience in the Keys.

Vacationers are able to choose from a waterfront or garden bungalow that sleeps up to four people.

Each bungalow comes with two bicycles for easy access around the property and semi-private beach.

Not in the mood to bike? The resort offers a golf cart pick up and drop off service to all guests.

According to the company’s website, the resort is offering a limited time rate starting at $399 per person, per night for a 2-night minimum stay throughout 2019.

Paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, kayaks and other water sport equipment are available for unlimited use.

Leave the kids at home, as this resort only allows guests ages 18 and over on the property and has a minimum check-in age of 21.

To book a reservation, click here.