News from Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association

Minnesota Municipal Beverage Association Newsletter

(April 21, 2013 - April 27, 2013)

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As I See It...

Reset

At our store we were having some issues with certain products walking out the door, so our manager tackled a huge project...resetting the entire store!

It was tedious, back breaking work, but I think well worth the effort.

They moved all of the spirits to the front and center of our checkout area where there is always a clerk and moved the wine section to a new location.

They were able to create a wine nook where we will have in-store tastings. Furthermore, there will be a computer and wine magazines where customers can learn more about wines.

They were able to accomplish several things:

* A good cleaning of everything in the store

* Reducing theft of product

* Giving the store a fresh new look

A side benefit is that while customers are looking for their favorite items they are seeing other products and trying new things.

Because customers aren't sure where product is now located, our staff has been more engaged with them, which is always a good thing.

It's a big project to reset the store, but don't be afraid of it. You will see great benefits.

Bridgitte Konrad

North Branch City Administrator

New Liquor Manager in Detroit Lakes

By Pippi Mayfield, DL - Online

Though he was perfectly happy at his former job, Jim Watland decided a change might be nice.

On April 1, he started his new job as manager of Lakes Liquor in Detroit Lakes.

"I heard about the opportunity, it piqued my interest and I applied," he said.

Born and raised in Detroit Lakes, Watland has worked the last nine years for Altria Group (the parent company of Philip Morris Company) but he's better known in Detroit Lakes as managing Evans for many years.

He started working for Steve Evans in 1991, and worked there until Evans became Central Market.

"My entire work life had been grocery," he said.

With Altria, he worked as a territory manager helping stores set up tobacco sites and manage them, putting on lots of miles while traveling throughout his territory. Being able to stay home was one of the appeals of the city municipal liquor store job.

It was during his time at Altria that he realized he missed the customer interaction he had with retail.

"Even being here for a week, it has been amazing who I've seen," he said of Lakes Liquor. "I can't tell you how welcoming the city has been."

He's also gotten to surround himself with excellent workers at his new position, he said.

With very low turnaround, he's able to focus on other things at the liquor store. Right now, that focus is just getting to know the beer, wine and liquor selection the new store has to offer. The challenge, he said, has been the extensive wine selection. Luckily, he added, two of his employees are well-versed in wines.

"It's been pretty hectic," he said of his first few days. "There's a tremendous amount to learn but there's such good people around me."

Besides the changes that come with a new job, Watland is working with a brand new building as well.

"I've got things to do, and that's exciting."

He plans to do some more things with the store to make it more customer friendly, like signage for one. He said there is an extensive collection of wine, but no labeling on what section is what so it's difficult for people to know where the merlots are, for example.

He also plans to work with distributors to get more end cap displays and sales. And he plans to host events at the liquor store to promote it.

"It's nice having a big store. It gives us more opportunities to try new things."

And those new things can come from anyone.

When he was younger, he admits, he used to think he could do everything himself.

"That's all gone," he said with a laugh. "I listen more today than I ever have."

Kentucky Derby Classic Cocktails

The dream of racing in the Kentucky Derby, chasing the coveted garland of roses inspires thousands of owners, trainers and jockeys; however only 20 thoroughbreds will get their chance to shine on the first Saturday in May (Next Weekend!!).

Therefore, dig out your best Derby hat and get ready to serve up these two famous cocktails:

The Mint Julep

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Kentucky Whisky

Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Kentucky Whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Oaks Lily

1 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Sweet and Sour Mix
3 oz. Cranberry Juice
Splash of Triple Sec

Once the ingredients are mixed, place the Oaks Lily in a tall glass with crushed ice, add a straw and garnish with an orange wedge and cherry

Progress is more important than perfection

Future Dates to Remember!!