Tag: vegas

Would You Like Wine With That? Alcohol Sales Are Expanding Into Unique Venues

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Would you like a glass of wine with your popcorn? Depending on where you live, you may hear something to that effect next time you go out to the movies. Several different fast casual restaurants and retail locations are now exploring the idea of adding liquor sales to the mix at select locations across the country. Alcohol sales are generally highly profitable for businesses, and in a down economy, owners and operators are exploring creative new ways to boost sales.

According to the New York Post, AMC Theatres is considering adding liquor sales and sit-down restaurant options at theatres in New York. A new law would allow consumers to bring their drinks into the theatre if the movie house has a sit-down eatery establishment on-site. The idea is to draw in more adult patrons and help boost sales at movie theatres. How convenient would it be to combine a sit-down dinner and a movie in one location?

Restaurant chains around the country are also experimenting with liquor sales, with mixed results. Places like Starbucks and Sonic are adding beer and wine sales at select locations to test the waters (New York Times). For example, Starbucks is currently testing out beer and wine sales at five of its store locations in the Pacific Northwest. And, let’s not forget that traditional retail sales locations are also experimenting with beer and wine sales. Be sure to read our blog post, “Whole Foods Invites Customers to Sample the Selection,” to learn about popular grocery chain Whole Foods’ foray into the market.

What do you think? Are these retailers finding new ways to cater to consumers, or are they inviting trouble? Whether you are a bartender, server, clerk or cashier, responsible alcohol sales are a must. Remember, alcohol awareness training isn’t just for bartenders and servers in Nevada. Grocery and convenience store clerks and cashiers in Clark and Washoe Counties are also required to obtain their TAM® Cards (Nevada Revised Statutes). TAM® of Nevada will train you and your co-workers to provide responsible beverage service that will keep your patrons safe and excited to return again in the future, no matter what type of establishment you work for.

What do you think about adding liquor sales to fast casual restaurants or movie theatres? What types of challenges would you expect to see?

Resources

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

 

Las Vegas Restaurant Week is Coming. Are You Ready for the Crowds?

Published on by TAM of Nevada1 Comment

Las Vegas Restaurant WeekLas Vegas Restaurant Week is returning to town once again from August 29th through September 11th at many of the area’s hottest restaurants.

Now in its fifth year, this event continues to be a resounding success and something for diners to look forward to. Restaurant Week offers up the chance for diners to check out some of the most popular eateries on and off the strip if they haven’t had the chance (or the budget!) just yet. Additionally, a portion of proceeds from each meal sold at participating restaurants will go to support Three Square Food Bank. How cool is that?

What does that mean for hospitality professionals? Prepare to be VERY busy! Expect crowds of hungry diners eager to sample cuisine from the over 80 participating restaurants over the two week period. Diners are heavily encouraged to make reservations, so that removes the element of surprise for many establishments.

If you are a service professional at a participating restaurant, make sure you are familiar with the prixe fixe menus and are able to answer questions about Restaurant Week options (ex – Menu substitutions, exclusions, etc.). Need a little more advice on how to keep your cool during this busy period? Make sure to read our blog post, “Feel Like You’re Stuck in a Pressure Cooker? Managing Stress on the Job.”

To learn more about Las Vegas Restaurant Week, Three Square Food Bank, and participating restaurants, you can visit the event website here.

Is your establishment participating in Restaurant Week? Which restaurants are you most excited to dine at?

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

Are You New to Nevada? You Must Complete Nevada-Specific Alcohol Awareness Training

Published on by TAM of NevadaLeave a comment

TAM CardAlcohol education cards from out-of-state won’t transfer in Nevada. Industry professionals should complete alcohol awareness training with TAM® of Nevada to meet local requirements.

Are you a new resident in Las Vegas? Welcome to Nevada! Workers are drawn to this great state for its booming entertainment and nightlife industry, and all of the hospitality jobs that come along with the action.

Have you already received job-related alcohol training in another state? We often receive inquiries from out-of-state students asking if their alcohol education cards and education are valid in Nevada. Unfortunately, liquor laws are specific to the states, counties and municipalities, so no, alcohol licenses are not transferable. All individuals hoping to work in the beverage sales and service industry in Nevada must complete an alcohol training program that has been approved by the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education. TAM® of Nevada is an approved provider, and the only official provider of TAM® Cards in the state of Nevada.

Individuals that need to obtain their TAM® Card can complete their training online or in a traditional classroom environment with our certified instructors. Additionally, we now offer open lab time on Tuesdays for students who would like to complete their alcohol awareness training online, but do not have access to a computer. Students are welcome to visit our training center and use our computer lab to complete their training on Tuesdays between 9:00am and 5:00pm. Likewise, classroom-based training is available at several convenient times throughout the week, including Spanish classes on Tuesday evenings. Check out our alcohol awareness class schedule to find a class that is convenient for you!

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada

What’s On Your Summer Reading List? Best Books for Bartenders

Published on by TAM of Nevada1 Comment

We’re well in to summer, and hope everyone is enjoying the warmth and sunshine. Have you had the chance to do some summer reading yet? Whether you’re planning a beachy vacation getaway or just some downtime at home, the relaxed summer months are a great time to curl up with a good book. Instead of the usual bestsellers, why not pick up one of the many great books out there for bartenders and other hospitality professionals? Whether you’re looking for a good book to explain the basics, insight into the industry from bar gurus, or just a light and fun fiction novel set with a bar as the backdrop, there’s something out there for everyone. Here are some suggestions from TAM® of Nevada to help get you started:

  • The Joy of Mixology: The Consummate Guide to the Bartender’s Craft by Gary Regan – A must-read guide to bartending and mixology by a fantastic author. Gary Regan’s book is a classic for any bar professional and will give insight and tips on not only how to memorize drink recipes, but begin creating your own. With insight into cocktail history, advice on bar etiquette and insights into his own experiences in the industry, this is a fun and entertaining read. If you’re impressed with this book, you should also pick up Regan’s newest follow-up book, The Annual Manual for Bartenders – 2011.
  • The Modern Mixologist: Contemporary Classic Cocktails by Tony Abou-Ganim – A guide to cocktails and creative and fresh bartending techniques from Las Vegas resident and bartender extraordinaire Tony Abou-Ganim. This book is a great read for novices and professionals alike. The Modern Mixologist is another great account of the industry from one of the most well-known bartenders in America. What better way to learn your craft than with the insights of a great professional?

Looking for even more suggestions on good reads for bar professionals? Check out Jack Robertiello’s suggestions in his article, “Books for Bartenders,” for Nightclub & Bar. What are you reading this summer?

Resources

Books for Bartenders – Nightclub & Bar

© 2011 National Hospitality Institute®, TAM® of Nevada