Author: TAM of Nevada

Laying the Foundations for Success: Building Repeat Bar Business

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Building repeat business is crucial to the success of any bar or restaurant. It’s not enough to impress your guests when they visit; the overall goal is to make sure they come back, again and again! You only get one chance to make a first impression, so make sure it’s a solid one.

Nightclub & Bar recently released a blog post, “Seven Steps to Building Repeat Business,” and we here at TAM® of Nevada wholeheartedly agree with their advice, and recommend it as reading for any service professional. Make sure to check out their article for their tips on wowing guests and keeping them coming back for more. We certainly agree with their tips to acknowledge regulars and serve hospitably.

Regular guests like to be acknowledged by staff with even a simple “welcome back” or “nice to see you again.” Managers or bartenders who greet their repeat customers by name, or even remember their drink orders or preferences will impress guests and net better tips. Also remember that good food, drinks and a great ambiance are not the only components to a great night out. It’s important to always be hospitable. Excellent service will wow guests, keep them coming back, and increase the buzz about your establishment by word of mouth.

For even more tips on how to increase sales and provide a fabulous experience for your guests, make sure to read our blog posts, “Set the Tone and Increase Your Earnings with Positive Body Language,” and “Are Your Happy Hour Deals Falling Flat? New Ideas to Boost Your Bar Sales.”

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. What tips would you give someone to increase their repeat business?

Resources

Seven Steps to Building Repeat Business – Nightclub & Bar

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Club Drugs: A Growing Problem in Casinos and Industry Hot Spots

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Drug use continues to rise in our casinos, clubs, pools, concert venues and bars. The Gaming Control Board has alerted casinos and other establishments that this behavior will not be tolerated (State of Nevada Gaming Control Board). Is it possible to deal more effectively with this growing problem? Use of club drugs such as ecstasy, ketamine, GHB, and others is on the rise and establishments are tasked with working to keep patrons safe, so it is imperative that staff knows how to spot and deal with these risky behaviors. Do you know how to spot and effectively deal with customers who are under the influence of drugs?

As a bartender or server, there are certain things you should watch for to spot any patrons who may be engaging in and promoting dangerous drug use:

  • Watch for customers who are behaving erratically or exhibit symptoms of possibly being under the influence of drugs such as loss of coordination, dizziness, fainting, confusion or slurred speech (SAMHSA).
  • Be alert. If you suspect that your patron may have smuggled in and used club drugs at your establishment, you should treat them just as you would with someone who has had too much to drink. Alert your manager or supervisor so that they can intervene if necessary.
  • Remember, some club drugs such as Rohypnol may be lethal when mixed with alcohol and/or other depressants (National Institute on Drug Abuse). Given this, it is even more important to gauge a customer and situation before serving an alcoholic beverage.
  • Always check your employee handbook or company policies regarding how your employer handles these types of situations. You need to be aware of both company policies and you may have to report any suspicious behavior or anything that makes you uncomfortable to a manger. There may even be rules dictating that the person is escorted safely off of the property.

You can learn more about managing patrons from seasoned industry professionals with real-world experience by taking the Techniques of Alcohol Management (TAM) ® course offered by TAM® of Nevada. How have you chosen to identify and respond to situations of club drug use?

Resources

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

 

Viva Las Vegas: History of a Great American City

Published on by TAM of Nevada1 Comment

Las Vegas SignFrom humble beginnings as stopover railroad outpost to its current position as one of the most buzzed about and happening cities in the United States, Las Vegas has a rich and vibrant history.

The Las Vegas Sun recently put together a thoroughly detailed and incredibly interesting overview of all the highlights (and lowlights!) and important turning points in this great city’s history. You can check out their special coverage including a thorough timeline, interactive maps, videos and more here.

TAM® of Nevada is proud to have been a fixture in this town for over twenty-five years, but that’s just a blip on the radar for Las Vegas. Make sure to check out the Sun’s coverage on everything from the boomtown beginnings to mob ties, big personalities, population booms, and everything else in between. We were surprised by some of the facts we read (Did you know gambling was illegal in Nevada between 1909 and 1931?), and we loved reading through some of the specific coverage and stories on some of Las Vegas’ biggest personalities. Las Vegas residents should be proud to call such a diverse and interesting place home. It may be known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in America, but locals knows this is also a great metropolis with a rich history and lots to offer residents.

So, what say you TAM® Nation readers? What is your favorite part of Las Vegas’ storied history? What fact or figure surprised you most?

Resources

The History of Las Vegas – Las Vegas Sun

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

 

TAM® of Nevada $250 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

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Gift Card Giveaway
Find us on Facebook and sign up!

We’re rewarding hardworking Nevada locals and industry professionals with a Facebook giveaway. Have you entered yet?

TAM® of Nevada is dedicated to providing superior education and service to Nevada’s hard working service professionals. We are happy to be a provider alcohol awareness education and alcohol education cards for over 25 years now. In addition to this, we are happy to now have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals socially, and invite you to join us! We’re announcing a new giveaway to show our appreciation to TAM® students and Facebook fans for their and positive comments and suggestions.

If you are a Facebook user, please connect with us by visiting us on Facebook and ‘Liking’ our page. After visiting and liking our page, you’ll have the option to register and enter the contest for a chance to win a $250 Visa gift card. Already connected with us on Facebook? No problem, just visit our page and fill out the entry form. We’ll be randomly drawing two winners, one at the end of August, and one at the end of September, so sign up today!

Even if you’re not interested in entering to win, we invite you to connect with us socially on Facebook. TAM® of Nevada is always interested in keeping touch with current and prospective students. By joining us, you can be the first to learn about any coupons and deals available only to our social media followers, plus additional TAM® tips, Las Vegas news and happenings, industry events and more.

Resources

TAM of Nevada Facebook Page

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada