Len Panaggio, Beverage Consultant

By Len Panaggio

This November has a lot going on. As we move through fall, the days are getting colder and we are losing daylight; never more apparent as when we set the clocks back to Eastern Standard Time, this year on Nov. 5. We also have a special election being held to replace Congressman David Cicilline, who resigned last June. Now I know this is the Beverage Journal, but I do want to encourage everyone to vote and to also encourage your staff to vote; regardless of who they vote for, their voices matter!

Newport Restaurant Week is being held from Nov. 3-12 this year, in both Newport and Bristol counties. This is an opportunity to showcase not only your restaurant’s culinary skills but your craft cocktail skills. Because the season is heading toward winter, our guests’ dining and drinking habits tend to change and we all need to be aware of that and come up with some extra-special menu items and drink lists. Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity to people who are often new customers!

Moving right along, Veteran’s Day is on Nov. 11, but since it falls on a Saturday, it will be a three-day weekend, which overlaps Newport Restaurant Week. Be prepared!

Then, there is that big holiday that kicks off the holiday season: Thanksgiving. Many restaurants will be open, as opposed to years ago when mostly hotels were open. Making reservations is a lot easier than making a traditional Thanksgiving meal. As wonderful as it is, it’s a lot of work, whether you’re cooking for two or 22. When we opened The Mooring up for Thanksgiving many years ago, we created a special menu and paired the appetizers, entrees and desserts with an appropriate wine and beer. But, as we have moved along in time, it is time to add craft cocktails (and mocktails!).

I am amazed at the ingenuity of the bar teams coming up with creative and tasty concoctions. Many liquors and liqueurs are infusing their spirits with all sorts of flavors beyond the usual suspects for winter. Certainly, promoting a maple-flavored whiskey or one with apple is perfect for ending a meal—and even better paired with a dessert.

In addition to these increased business opportunities, we are in the middle of O-N-D, that three-month span that is so important to the beverage industry when buying opportunities abound. Salespeople are trying for greater depletions to make quotas, making bargains much more likely. So, sit with your rep and pick through their book because, trust me, there are some terrific buying opportunities available.

As I read the Beverage Journal, there are always new products listed that pique my interest, not so much what’s new but rather what’s old. The distributors must be sitting on product that is either nearing the end of its life or its demand is all but gone. Ask and you’ll be surprised at what they may present you. I know that many distributors send out spreadsheets on these items in January and, despite it being time-consuming to go through them, it may be worth it when you can grab something at a great price.

And, speaking of December, are you ready with marketing? Do you have gift cards available, with incentives? Have your decorations gone up and, oh yes, holiday music ready to drive your staff crazy?! Do you have staff dedicated to the marketing effort and the sale of gift cards? These shouldn’t be distractions for normal operations.

There is a lot to think about as we move through November. I know you are all dealing with staffing issues, but this is the last chance to end the year with a bang! January is a very quiet month, especially with the Patriots seemingly heading for a first-round draft pick.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Len Panaggio’s career in food and wine spans more than three decades as an owner and as a beverage director at some of the top restaurants in Rhode Island. Currently a hospitality consultant, Len is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and has attended the Culinary Institute of America Master Sommelier program and the Sterling School of Service and Hospitality.