Beverage Concepts

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Offering unique cocktail options like a Barrel-Aged Manhattan and Smoked Old Fashioned has allowed us to compete with popular restaurants in town. Our aging barrels are visible on the bar top as soon as you enter the dining room while the scent of charred oak fills the room. Our non-alcoholic concepts have allowed us to appeal to the teens in the club while also including members who do not drink. Lastly, our Wine Society has given membership the ability participate in social events with fellow members, learn more about wine, and foster enthusiasm for purchasing wine from the club.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

We commissioned a local company to build our barrels and use excess oak to smoke our Old Fashioned. Both cocktails were instant successes becoming top sellers in the dining room. We have even sold entire barrels to members for use at events in their homes. Non-alcoholic drinks have been increasing in popularity over the last few years and have allowed us to keep up with food and beverage trends to stay current with what popular restaurants are offering. The Strawberry Fizz outperforms almost every alcoholic option we offer. Wine Society grows in membership yearly and we have seen a dramatic increase in wine sales since its inception. Members enjoy our wine events as an opportunity to learn about and taste wine, but also for the social aspect of gathering with and enjoying the company of their fellow members and friends.