So You Think You Know the Budweiser Clydesdales

Earlier this week I met with a client.  After we concluded our business we sat down for a social drink. I ordered my usual cocktail and she had a beer - her favorite a Budweiser. 

When I told her I am not a big beer drinker she proceeded to share a story about Budweiser that I was not aware of; it was the story about the Budweiser Clydesdale.  It was so fascinating I thought I would share it with you.

The Budweiser Brewing Company first introduced the Clydesdale's on April 7, 1933 but do you know why?  August Busch Jr. (the son) was so ecstatic that prohibition was going to end that he went out and bought his father August Bush Sr. a gift - eight beautiful Clydesdale horses.

August Sr. was not only impressed with these magnificent creatures but he immediately saw a great idea to help re-launch Budweiser now that prohibition was coming to an end. He decided to present the two people most instrumental in ending prohibition a Budweiser gift. Those two people were the former Governor of New Your Governor - Al Smith and the President of the United States himself - Franklin Roosevelt.

August Sr. bought a huge freight wagon and painted it bright red.  He then mounted several huge barrels on it and hitched his eight Clydesdale horses to it.  He then hired a team of drivers who he had custom clothing made for and they were given instructions to leave St Louis and drive the wagon to New York City.

Once in New York the drivers presented Governor Al Smith a glass of Budweiser beer. From New York, Bush directed his drivers to haul the wagon to Washington D.C.; however, he had them make a circuitous journey across many of the New England and Mid-Atlantic States.  When his team of horses finally arrived at the White House the drivers presented a glass of Budweiser beer to the President of the United States - Franklin D. Roosevelt and all his guests at the White House.

There on the front porch of the White Horse the President of the United States sipped Budweiser beer with his guests as he Washington press corps snapped photos. However the brilliance of Bush Sr. did not end there. 

Before the team of Clydesdales left St Louis for New York Bush dispatched press releases to every town newspaper along the route the horse would travel.  Town’s people from all across the Midwest and eastern parts of America lined the streets to watch these huge Clydesdale's parade through their towns.

The newspapers in each and every town - large or small - printed front page stories of these beautiful, yet behemoth, horses parading through their main streets.  After the horses marched through Main Street the wagon pulled off to the side and every resident in the town was treated to a glass of Budweiser beer to celebrate the repeal of prohibition.

Now what people didn’t know was that the huge barrels on the wagon were empty.  Each night the wagon would meet up with a train that had a fresh shipment of Budweiser beer - hence the beer given away was always fresh during the three week trek across the heartland.

Needless to say "every" newspaper in the country ran stories of this unheard of, and unprecedented "Free Beer" event.  The popularity of Budweiser skyrocketed across America the Bush name was known in every household in the land; hence Budweiser immediately became America's favorite beer.  Realizing how well the country responded to his Clydesdale's, Bush Sr. decided to make the horse a permanent part of the corporate strategy.                              

Today Budweiser Brewing has three "hitches" or teams of Clydesdale's ready to travel around the U.S. at any time and one team that permanently resides at the corporate headquarters of Anheuser-Busch in St Louis.

Anheuser-Bush has approximately 250 Clydesdale's in its stables which makes it the largest Clydesdale herd owner in the world.  Ironically not just any Clydesdale can quality to be on a "Budweiser Hitch".   Only Clydesdale's that meet the following strict criteria are chosen: 

1) They must be Geldings (ouch)

2) They must have an easy going even temperament

3) They must be very strong 

4) They must be at least four years old

5) They must stand at least 18 hands or (6 feet tall) at the withers -(the tallest point on the back)

6) Their weight must be between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds

7) They must be bay in color (a reddish-brown coat)

8) The must have a black mane and tail

9) They must have four white stocks, and

10) They must have a white blaze on their face 

So the next time you see a commercial or the actual Budweiser Clydesdale's stop and remember the genius of August Bush Sr.  A man who took a present his son gave him and turned it into the greatest marketing ploy in the Brewing World.

Just so you know Budweiser is the third largest selling beer in the Unites States slightly behind Coors Light – which is number two and Bud Light with is number 1.


In addition, Budweiser is the fourth largest selling beer in the world just slightly behind Bud Light which is third largest selling beer in world. The top two selling beers in the world are currently both Chinese; Tsingtao and Snow – Snow being the largest beer in the world.  

Hey Bar Bartenders – Why the Punt?

Not long ago I visited Bayfield, Wisconsin a charming town on the shores of Lake Superior. On the flight up I read a magazine article regarding a recent gallop poll which shared insights into the alcohol consumption patterns of Americans. Though beer is by far America’s favorite adult beverage (39% of Americans say they only drink beer), wine is now gaining popularity; 35 percent of Americans now say they prefer wine to beer.

While strolling through downtown Bayfield I came upon a small liquor store and naturally walked in. It had an extensive inventory of beverages, especially wines. Many of the wines were brands I knew, while others were foreign wines - not in the sense they were from countries overseas but they were all local wines - produced by small vintners from up in northern Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota.

Not a big wine drinker I found myself picking up many of the unfamiliar bottles and reading their labels. While holding the bottles in my hand, I noticed some bottles had deep indentations in their bases while others just had flat bottoms. When I asked the sales clerk why this was she admitted she did not know. So when I returned home I talked to several wine distributors I know personally and was surprised to learn some very interesting trivia about wine bottles which I think every bartender and wait staff member should know.

The next time you have a chance take a look at the bottom of the wine bottles in your bar’s inventory. More than likely you will see indentations in some of the bottle bottoms. 

Get ready - here comes the education.  The inward 'dimple' on the bottom of a wine bottle is officially called “The Punt” by Europeans; American sommeliers (that a fancy word for wine experts) generally refer to it as the "kick-up". From what I learned talking to sommeliers and wine distributors there is no one single reason any one agrees on for this unique feature in the bottom of a wine bottle; however I have to admit the reasons I learned were both bizarre and fascinating. Below is a list of the ten most common explanations I was provided as to why wine bottles have “punts” or "kick-ups?

1) Punts are carryovers from when wine bottles were actually hand blown. Glass blowers always to a moment to push in the bottom of the bottle before they removed their blow pipes to ensure the bottle would always sit flat and not scratch the surface of a table or counter when the bottle was sat down.

2) Punts make a wine bottle less tipsy. Its true! A flat bottom wine bottle only needs a slight nudge to become unstable - and tip over - however the punt provides the bottle with stability should the bottle be accidentally bumped by a person sitting at the dinner table.

3) Punts help consolidate any sediments in the bottom of the bottle thus it prevents sediments from being poured into a glass. {Remember years ago vintners [wine makers] had  problems with sediment, however today modern vintners use filters so there is really little sediment found in wines today}.

4) Punts increase the strength of the bottle.  The punt allows a bottle to easily hold the high pressure of sparkling wines and champagnes.  They also help control CO2 discharges when some wines continue to ferment in the bottle.

5) Punts takes up room in the bottle which allows a bottle to appear larger, yet hold a lesser amount of wine. (This to me is an idiotic reason cynical people believe. I don't).

6) Punts help prevent wine bottles from shattering should they fall off a table and onto the floor.  Its true - the punt design is actually an engineering thing.

7) My favorite.  Prior to the invention of cardboard and wooden boxes wine bottles were typically laid on their sides in the cargo holds of sailing ships. The punts allowed one bottle’s neck to fit nicely in the base of another bottle, thus they (the punts) prevented wine bottles from rolling around below deck and allowed more bottles to be stacked row upon row during a voyage.

8) Punts provide a convenient place for a Wine Steward {a fancy term for a wine server} thumb.  The punt allegedly makes allows a server to more accurately pour wine.

9) Punts make it easier for vintners to clean bottles prior to filling them with wine. When a stream of hot water is injected into a bottle it hits the punt and is deflected back throughout the entire bottle evenly and which cleans the bottles quicker.

10) Finally, the true connoisseurs of wine always insist “Punts make wine taste better”.

Whatever the reason here is what I have personally discovered.  Every time I go into a liquor store I ask the clerk where is your most expensive bottle of wine.  When they point it out I pick up the bottle and check the punt.  With very few exceptions - the more expensive the bottle of wine is - the deeper the punt or kick-up is.  Go figure.

Well there you have Eba G.’s reasons for punts in wine bottles. Next time you see a bottle of wine check out the punts.  Most importantly I highly recommend you share this knowledge with your customers - believe me you will sell more wine if you do. And by all means make sure to visit www.linkedin.com/in/ebagee or go to www.barprofits.blogspot.com for more great ideas on how you can improve your professionalism or increase the sales in your bar or tavern. 

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April 7th ---- Beer Day

For many people (in the United States) today, April 7 is an unofficial holiday - officially called Beer Day. Back on March 23rd, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Cullen- Harrison Act which ended prohibition and making the sale of beer in the United States once again legal beginning on April 7th, 1933.

American for 13 long years Americans were not allowed to enjoy beer that had any significant alcoholic content in it because the Volstead Act {Prohibition} had been enacted in 1920. So today if you have a chance – hoist a beer and say Happy Beer Day.

Bar Owners and Bar Tenders - Learn From This - Don't Be Stupid On Face Book

Interesting Thought To Ponder

Bar Tender Trivia -- Why are There 18 Holes in a Round of Golf?

Here is a wee bit of history every bartender should know and and share with their friends.

Why are There 18 Holes in a Round of Golf and not 10, 15, or 20?

Legend has it that during a discussion of the founding members of St Andrews Golf Course in Scotland back in 1858 when the game of golf was being established, a senior member pointed out that it takes exactly 18 drams (the Scottish equivalent of shots) to polish off a good bottle of Scotch Whisky.

All the founding members of St Andrews agreed; by limiting players of the game of golf to one shot of Scotch per hole a round of golf would be officially be over when the Scotch ran out or at the end of 18 holes.

Should the Lime Go in the Coconut?

I Did Not Jog Today

Best Bar Joke I Have Heard In Years

Siamese Twins Walk into a Bar ...

Siamese twins walk into a bar in Canada and park themselves on a bar stool. One of them says to the bartender, "Don't mind us we're joined at the hip. I'm John, he's Jim. Two Molson beers, please."

The bartender, feels slightly awkward, so he tries to make polite conversation while pouring their beers. "You lads on vacation?" "Nope but next month we are off to England," says John. "We go to England every year. We stay there for 10 days and rent a car.  Every day we  drive for miles. Don't we, Jim?" Jim nods his head in agreement.

"Ah, England!" says the bartender. "Wonderful country... the rich history, the bold fresh beers, the culture." "Nah, we don't like any of that British crap," says John. "Hamburgers and Molson's beer, that's for us, eh Jim"? Again Jim nods his head to show his agreement.

"We can't stand the English - they're rude and so damn arrogant, we don't like their beers and we don't care about their culture."

"So why do you lads keep going to England year after year?" asks the bartender.

"It's the only chance Jim gets to drive."

Public Safety Advisory

If you work in the bar or tavern industry this public advisory may be of significance.

Just received this information from a good friend and wanted to get it out ASAP to all of you in the bar and beverage industries. The US Homeland Security Agency has just issued an advisory notice you should be aware of If your work involves serving the public or dealing with a lot of foreign travelers this information could save your life.

According to homeland security the number one tactic terrorists and ‘disturbed US citizens’ are now using is to - conceal their weapons. Concealing or disguising their weapons from the public is necessary especially when they enter bars, taverns, pubs & grills, night clubs, casinos, country clubs etc. as well as larger outdoor public gathering places such as beer fests and summer concerts where alcoholic beverages are served.

Please look closely at the picture provided.

At first glance - to an untrained eye – this might look like a normal “Red Solo party cup”; however if you study this picture carefully you may be able to notice there is a fully loaded, automatic Glock 18-C pistol carefully hidden inside the cup.

Analyst and forecasters at Homeland Security believe terrorists and disturbed American citizens may soon be using this ‘Red Solo cup’ disguise to conceal their weapons.

During these troubling times is important we in the hospitality and food & beverage industries stay vigilant at all times.  I urge you to share this information with your colleagues, co-workers and neighbors. Remember if you, your co-workers or neighbors, are not able to spot a weapon disguised like this you might just be the recipient of a cup of hot lead.

Note:  If information like this is important I will continue to share it - just let me know.  If if is not important let me know as well.  

Bartender Trivia - Parcheesi

As many of you know I am a big fan of trivia.  Customers who come in to your bar or tavern when you are on duty do not want to be burdened with problems.  They want to come in, relax and have fun.  So why not entertain them with great trivia.

Parcheesi is a board game that many of use played as children.  Few people however are aware that Parcheesi is a board game that originated in India.  Parcheesi was a game played by only the ruling class of India.  

The game (Parcheesi) was played outdoors in the palace garden(s) and the pieces - get this - which were human servants -  beautiful young women who served the ruler. 

The game pieces actually walked across color tiles placed in the lawn. The goal was to get all the pieces (the young ladies) home.  Home was the center of the garden were the lord of the house sat with his friends. 

Bartender Trivia - Drive In Theaters

As many of you know I am a big fan of 'trivia'.  I think bar owners and bartenders who know good trivia - really good trivia entice their customers to come back.

Its a fact, Customers who enter your bar, tavern or pub when you are working do not want to be burdened with 'problems' - your problems, your business's problems or the communities problems - they have problems of their own. 

Customers who enter your bar come in to relax and have a good time.  In other words they want to have fun and escape from their reality.  So why not entertain them when they are in your bar? Entertain them with some really great trivia. Trivia they can enjoy and trivia they can relate to.

See if they know this one ... The first driven-in theater in the United States was opened in Camden, NJ.  It was built by Richard Hollingshead. 

To create his drive-in Mr. Hollingshead strung a sheet between two trees and mounted a project on the hood of his car. 

Here is the kicker.  Why did he create a drive in theater?  Well he said his mother was the inspiration for his idea. 

His mother was a very large woman who always felt uncomfortable sitting in the small seats found in movie theaters of the day.  By showing his movie outside his mother could sit in the front seat of his car and enjoy the movie.  

Something every bar and tavern owner as well as their bar and wait staffs need to remember.

Potential Health Advisory For Bar Owners and Bartenders

Recent studies conducted by the CDC - Center for Dease Control indicate that: 

Drinking Vodka over ice, can cause kidney failure.

Drinking Rum over ice, can cause liver failure.

Drinking Whiskey over ice, can create heart problems.

Drinking Gin over ice, can lead to brain problems.

Though the studies are not complete all evidence gathered so far is strongly suggesting that ice may not be good for your health.

As a courtesy and public service it might be wise to nform all your friends and bar customers of this potential health risk.

Why Bartenders and Servers Receive Tips

Today, it’s a common practice for bar and restaurant owners to pay their bartenders and wait servers a stipend hourly wage as the bulk of their earnings is expected to come from the tips. Since tips are such an integral part of the income bartenders and servers make I find it amazing how few bartenders and servers understand the basis and reasons for tipping. 

Sad to say, there are many bartenders and servers who think tips are expected; worst yet some even think a certain amount is actually required. This article is written to help you understand the historical background of tips. Hopefully this will be fun article you enjoy. 

To begin, scholars and historians alike agree the concept of providing some form or monetary compensation for a service or product dates back to the Roman Empire. Countless historical records show Roman citizens frequently provided street merchants and venders with a small sum of money prior to placing their orders. This was done to ensure their orders would be taken down correctly and their products and services delivered promptly. Only after a service or product was rendered in an exceptional manner would a buyer provide a gratuitum - Latin for special compensation. Today we call this additional form of payment a gratuity. 

Interestingly, the word TIP is not even a word; it is an acronym which stands for To Insure Promptness. TIPS likewise is an acronym and it stands for To Insure Prompt Service. You may be aware that many bars and restaurants require large parties - generally 12 or more - to pay a 15% - 20% gratuity which is automatically added on to their bar or food bills. So in a nutshell, tips were originally provided ‘prior to a service’, whereas gratuities have always been provided ‘after a service’.  

For years, Americans routinely provided hosts, hostesses, bartenders and servers with an upfront payment {a TIP if you will} prior to ordering a drink or meal to ensure they would be served quickly with exceptional service. If the meals or drinks were exceptional and served promptly American patrons then left a gratuity on the bar or the dining table. 

Perhaps you have seen an old movie where a group of people arrived at a trendy night spot or popular restaurant. Upon arriving it looks like they will never get in because the place is so crowded; however someone soon reaches in their pocket, pulls out what appeared to be a $5, $10 or $20 and hands it to the host or maître ‘de who miraculously finds a dining table or seat at the bar. It was that ‘TIP’ that made this service happen.

The use of tips changed however in America during the 1940’s for three basic reasons. First, the depression of the 1930’s left many American’s with limited money; second, GI’s returning home from WWII observed many countries overseas did not require an upfront ‘Tip’ to get good service; and gratuities were only necessary if the service or product was good. Finally, the ‘industrialized’ concept was emerging. Business owners across America were beginning to realize the importance of attracting and retaining ‘regular customer’s’. Consequently providing prompt service, and a good quality product, when a person walked through the door was fast becoming the standard business practice throughout the country. 

When a customer leaves money on a bar counter or table after a service has been provided, bartenders and servers mistakenly refer to this as a tip - it is not. Technically the money left for a bartender or server is a ‘gratuity’ – a way of saying “Thank You” for a great product or a great service. The only reason a customer leaves a gratuity today is to show their gratitude for what you have done … not because you did your job. So remember the better you do your job and the better your product the more gratuities you will receive at the end of the night. 

Eba G sincerely hopes you enjoyed this historical account of ‘tipping’ and learned from it. If you would like to receive a complimentary bartender and server guide on “Seven Ways to Increase Your tips” send Eba an email at or visit www.barprofits.blogspot.com and request “Eba G’s Seven Ways to Significantly Increase Your Tips”

 

Great Story To Share in Your Bar or Tavern

A group of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, went on field trip to see a brand new racetrack in their community. The idea was the children could learn about thoroughbred horses and actually get to see some of the horses in their stalls. The children were accompanied by two female teachers.

     

After walking around the race track for a couple hours it was time to take the children to the bathroom. Since there were only two teachers it was decided that the girls would go with one teacher and the boys would go with the other. The teacher assigned to the boys waited outside the men's room. All of a sudden one of the boys came out and told her that none of them could reach the urinals - they were all to high.

Feeling awkward but having no choice, the teacher had to go inside to help each one of the boys. First she undid their pants, then she hoisted them up up one by one. It was obvious she was going to have to hold their "you know what" to direct the flow away from their clothes. As she lifted the fourth boy the teacher could not help but notice that this boy was unusually well endowed for his age.

Trying not to show her embarrassment she said, "You must be in the 5th grade."  “No, ma'am”, he replied, “I'm riding “Silver Arrow” in the seventh race today, but I really do appreciate your help”