A Sensational
Group of Operators
of excellence in service. Five-location cocktail bar Mercadito combines a swank space
I
with an exciting cocktail lineup and a deep list of sipping spirits. Washington, D.C.’s Birch & Barley and ChurchKey concepts off er outstandingly deep and varied beer lists that include fi fty beers on draft and fi ve hundred bottle selections. Th e Summit at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs features a lengthy, exciting and esoteric wine list and a huge staff of sommeliers to help guests choose. Now in its fi fth year, the Cheers Benchmark Awards for non-
chain hospitality venues were created to honor those independent establishments that are true drink destinations. Benchmark Awards are presented in three categories: Best Cocktail Lounge, Best Beer Bar and Best Wine Bar. To qualify, entrants must be independent operators, defi ned as concepts operating in no more than fi ve locations and independently owned or part of a hotel or multi-concept restaurant company. Th is year’s winners are clearly raising the bar, reaching
standards that other operators may strive to attain. Congratulations to the 2011 Cheers Benchmark Award winners!
30 | JUNE 2011 www.cheersonline.com
t is with great pleasure that Cheers recognizes three independent restaurant and bar owners for their beverage innovation and their commitment to the highest standards
