Cheers

Cheers-Sept 2016

Cheers is dedicated to delivering hospitality professionals the information, insights and data necessary to drive their beverage business by covering trends and innovations in operations, merchandising, service and training.

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www.cheersonline.com 18 • September 2016 The winery/restaurant chain has built a passionate following by providing memorable wine and food experiences By Kyle Swartz Founder/CEO Tim McEnery was inspired to start Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants in 2002 after realizing that no wineries were connected to a full- service restaurant. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants has some of the most loyal fans. In addition to offering its own wines with its New American cuisine, the upscale-dining chain also operates one of the country's largest wine clubs. Members tend to be highly loyal because they receive more than just monthly wine deliveries. They can attend exclusive tasting events and even travel around the world for wine experiences with Cooper's Hawk staff acting as guides. How did a chain of 24 locations build such a passionate following in 11 years? Its success stems from the original vision: to provide guests with a memorable, easy-to-enjoy experience with wine and food. FOOD MADE FOR WINE Cooper's Hawk founder/CEO Tim McEnery, who has a background in restaurant management, recalls his initial inspiration for the business in 2002. He was at a winery for a tasting one evening with his wife Dana. "While enjoying a wine tasting, we searched the nearby area for restaurant reservations and thought, 'Wouldn't it be nice to eat and continue drinking this wine?'" he remembers. At the time, "Many wineries had small, limited menus and through research, I didn't fi nd any connected to a full-service restaurant," he adds. takes f liht PHOTOS BY: MICHAEL EDWARD SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

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