2026 BEVERAGE INDUSTRY WEEK
An On-premise Focus on Operations
by MELISSA DOWLING
The Cheers Beverage Summit brought together a group of on-premise pros to discuss industry trends, challenges, techniques and experiences. Cheers editor Melissa Dowling moderated the roundtable, which covered a range of topics.
Kathy Casey, president / CEO / owner, Kathy Casey Food Studios – Liquid Kitchen, presented some of her best practices for menu implementation, training and bar prep. Many of the basic on-premise operational tools, standards and procedures disappeared after the Covid pandemic, Casey noted.
Low- / no-alcohol and THC / CBD beverages were huge topics. Braithe Gill, corporate beverage director for Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group in New Orleans, shared that the company was the first in the country to offer a private-label nonalcoholic THC / CBD beverage. Other issues the group discussed included experiential and signature cocktails, smaller pour sizes, selling wine, glassware and garnishes.
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Attendees in 2026 visited a municipal cannabis store, the first of its kind in the nation.
BARC continued to attract retailers and industry professionals from across America.
2026 Top 100 Issue • Beverage Dynamics 23