Big Easy Cheers - Currents

Cheers, Sept, 2002

It's barely fall and already time to start thinking about and planning for next year's Cheers Beverage Conference, to be held in New Orleans February 12 - 13, at the Hotel Inter-Continental New Orleans, one of the Big Easy's best. Keynoter: Joe Micatratto, Buca di Beppo.

Meanwhile, it is also time to start planning your submission for the 2003 Cheers Awards for Beverage Excellence, which are presented each year at the conference.

There are 11 categories in which to compete: best wine program, chain and independent; best beer program, chain and independent; best spirits program, chain and independent; best overall beverage program, chain and independent; best overall hotel beverage program; best non-alcohol program and best beverage merchandising program.

Operations may enter in multiple categories but may only win in one category (excluding overall program) in any given year. There is NO entry fee, and all entries will be judged by a distinguished panel of experts in the beverage, bar and restaurant business.

Past winners include PF Chang's, Ground Round, Chili's, Bahama Breeze, Olive Garden, Valentino, Harry Denton's, TGI Friday's, Pizzeria Uno, Longhorn Steakhouse, Bern's Steak House, Winking Lizard, Hilton Hotels, Italian Village, the Bellagio Hotel, Il Fornaio, Napa Valley Grille, Disney's California Grill, Red Robin, Red Lobster, Duffy's Love Shack, The Brickskeller, Growler's Pub, Old Chicago and other exemplary operations. Is your saloon THE place for beer? Your restaurant known for its stellar wine program? Do you sell more Sour Apple Martinis than anyone? See entry form elsewhere in this issue.