DRINK CULTURE
Smokey Bones
Beefs Up Its
Beverage Program
Restaurant chain Smokey Bones Bar
& Fire Grill aims to upgrade the drink
experience with a new beverage book.
Launched in February, the menu includes
14 new signature cocktails, including
the Blood Orange Passion Rita, Mango
Pepparita, Sassy Citrus Sangria and
Blueberry Mojito, as well as a fresh lineup
of craft beers. These beverage offerings
complement Smokey Bones��� new menu,
which was introduced in December.
Smokey Bones CEO Christopher
Artinian, who spent 17 years with
Morton���s The Steakhouse, spearheaded
the chain���s beverage program
transformation. In addition to new
food and drinks, Artinian, who joined
Smokey Bones in June 2012, has taken
several steps to elevate the guest dining
experience, including improving training
and service and incorporating events
such as an enhanced Burger Battle and
Celebrity Bartenders.
Orlando, FL-based Smokey Bones
operates 66 locations in 17 states and
employs nearly 2,300 people. The casual
fire-grill restaurant chain was founded
as Smokey Bones Barbeque in 1999 by
Darden Restaurants. It was sold in 2007
to an affiliate of Boca Raton, FL-based
Sun Capital Partners.
PRODUCTS
VODKA
8
| APRIL 2013
RUM
Burnett���s vodka recently
announced the addition of
two new ���avors: cherry cola
and strawberry banana. At
70 proof, they join the line���s
other 29 ���avors, and are
available for a suggested
retail price of $10.99 for a
750-ml. bottle.
Admiral Nelson���s spiced rum announced
a change to the brand���s packaging starting
this spring. The new bottle has a bulbed neck
design atop a tapered body, and features
blown-in stars around the shoulder reminiscent
of a compass rose. The front label features an
enhanced version of the naval of���cer Admiral
Nelson. The changes will be featured across
the Admiral Nelson���s franchise.
www.cheersonline.com
