Attendees visited the Garfield ’ s Beverage Warehouse location in Palatine for a reception featuring samples from sponsors Wilderness Trail , Don Q , Broken Shed and Bushwacker .
The breakfast was moderated by NABCA Communications Director Maggie Barchine , and featured panelists Dr . Sonat Birnecker from Koval Distilling and Applejack Wine & Spirits general manager Elizabeth Gregg .
The Beverage Incubator presentations were the culmination of a monthslong nomination and judging process , which whittled down many up-and-coming brands to three finalists : Soda Jerk Shot , Inspiro Tequila and IVeinte Spirits . Each finalist presented their product to the live audience and a judging panel in a format similar to the show “ Shark Tank .” Ultimately , Inspiro and IVeinte were chosen as the inaugural brands for the EPG Beverage Incubator . They each received a six-figure advertising package from EPG Brand Acceleration , so you ’ ll be seeing more of them in the months to come in the pages of this magazine and its related digital properties .
At the Top 100 Retailers banquet , Missouri-based Macadoodles won Retailer of the Year for the second time , qualifying them for the Top 100 Hall of Fame . Look for full coverage and photos from the banquet later in this issue .
That ’ s a wrap for the 2024 Beverage Alcohol Retailers Conference . We look forward to seeing everyone next June in the Washington DC / Annapolis area for our 9th annual BARC !
CHEERS BEVERAGE SUMMIT SWINGS INTO CHICAGOLAND
A panel of on-premise beverage experts convened at the Cheers Beverage Summit on June 18 in Schaumburg , IL . Part of the Beverage Week event , the Cheers Beverage Summit ’ s new format is designed as an open forum for beverage directors from regional and national chains to network , share experiences and best practices , ask questions and hear from up-and-coming independent operators .
Topics ranged from hiring , training , retaining and mentoring bar employees and crafting and marketing no- / low-alcohol beverages to wine education and service to incorporating tequila , mezcal and other Latin America spirits to experiential cocktails / service and more .
Subject matter experts led parts of the discussion , including Mark Patykewich , wine director at The Katharine Brasserie & Bar in the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel in Winston-Salem , NC ; Alex Barbatsis former bar director at The Whistler in Chicago ; Thomas Mizuno-Moore , former senior beverage manager at Aba restaurant / Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises in Chicago ; and Mexico City-native mixologist / mezcal expert / beverage consultant Denisse Soto . Representatives from Uncle Nearest premium whiskey and Don Q rum sat in on the discussion to learn about on-premise trends and challenges .
Following the Forum discussion , CBS participants joined the Beverage Alcohol Retailers Conference ( BARC ) attendees for a networking lunch and exhibits . After a beverage data presentation , the group moved to an offsite reception at the local Topgolf , which featured a signature cocktail from Campari Group called The Peach Tee-Off ( peach iced tea , lemonade and Wilderness Trail bourbon ). Attendees enjoyed sampling Topgolf ’ s signature food and drinks and practicing their shots in the golf bays . •
On-premise attendees gathered for a group discussion about the biggest challenges and opportunities facing restaurant and hospitality chains .
26 Beverage Dynamics • 2024 Top 100 Issue www . beveragedynamics . com