George Brown College and LCBO Advance Equitable Representation in the Beverage Alcohol Industry

Posted on August 9, 2022 by GFDI Team

Partnership aims to identify and remove systemic barriers for diverse women through access to education

George Brown College and the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) have signed an agreement to create more opportunities for diverse women to enter, advance and thrive in the beverage alcohol industry.

Through the LCBO’s Spirit of Inclusion Initiative, George Brown has received more than $18,000 in support of scholarships, bursaries, and awards for diverse women in the beverage alcohol industry. In addition to financial assistance, program participants will also benefit from mentorship opportunities with industry members.

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PATRÓN® Tequila Makes Its First Foray into the Metaverse with “Summer Made Sensational: A PATRÓN Pop-Up Series”

Posted on August 5, 2022 by GFDI Team

An Immersive Cocktail Quest in Decentraland this August that Allows Fans a Chance to Win a Vibrant Escape to Punta Mita

PATRÓN® Tequila, the world’s number one super-premium tequila*, is entering the metaverse this summer for the first time with “Summer Made Sensational: A PATRÓN Pop-Up Series.” The experience will offer tequila enthusiasts a vibrant escape through a unique cocktail-themed journey in Decentraland, a 3D virtual world browser-based platform.

“As a leader in the tequila category, innovation has always been essential to the core of PATRÓN Tequila which is why we are excited to embark on this unique, virtual journey in Decentraland,” said Kathy Parker, President & Global Chief Marketing Officer of PATRÓN. “At PATRÓN, we celebrate creative communities like the metaverse that bring people together in a digital world. With this new venture, we hope to spark curiosity, creativity and connection this summer while offering our tequila fans a new way to experience the mastery behind our brand.”

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Incentivio and EatOkra Partner to Enhance the Digital Guest Experience for Black-Owned Restaurants

Posted on August 4, 2022 by GFDI Team
Incentivio

Incentivio, the all-in-one digital guest engagement platform, and EatOkra, the digital guide to Black-owned restaurants, are teaming up to provide integrated digital ordering, marketing, and loyalty to the 13,000+ black-owned restaurants and 475,000+ users already using the EatOkra App.

With Incentivio, EatOkra app users will be able to find local Black-owned restaurants and place delivery, take-out, and curbside orders through the mobile app or website. EatOkra will also be able to leverage Incentivio’s built-in loyalty and marketing tools to engage and reward app users for interacting with the restaurants on the EatOkra platform.

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Sia Scotch Whisky to Support Entrepreneurs of Color in the Food, Beverage & Hospitality Industry With the Return of the Entrepreneurial Spirit Fund

Posted on August 3, 2022 by GFDI Team

To-date, SIA Scotch Whisky has Donated Over $350,000 to Minority Entrepreneurs, Helping Them Challenge Conventions and Achieve the Unexpected

 SIA Scotch Whisky, an award-winning spirits brand founded by first-generation Hispanic entrepreneur Carin Luna-Ostaseski, is bringing back The Entrepreneurial Spirit Fund by SIA Scotch for the second consecutive year. The groundbreaking initiative provides entrepreneurs of color with access to the capital and mentorship that will help them take action, build stronger companies and have a positive impact on their communities. 

This year, the grant program will focus on growing businesses specifically within the brand’s own world – the food, beverage, and hospitality sector [1]. This space has been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, and its small business owners continue to face massive barriers, such as adapting to consumers’ ever-evolving preferences and spending behaviors, adjusting to increased at-home demand, and facing supply chain disruptions. As a brand built from the ground up, SIA Scotch Whisky truly understands the importance of supporting these often-overlooked small business owners along their entrepreneurial journeys.    

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4 Tips for Running a Small Wine and Beer Bar

Posted on August 2, 2022 by GFDI Team

Opening a bar can be an exciting time, but it’s essential to do it right. So here are four tips for running and operating a small wine and beer bar.

Most people dream of owning their own business, especially in the food industry. The restaurant business is a competitive and exhausting yet rewarding experience. However, it’s essential to run your food business right and accept that mistakes can happen.

It’s especially true for running a bar: carrying specialty beverages, having a general or niche idea to draw in customers, and learning how to tackle customer service head-on. So let’s look at four small wine and beer bar tips to help you run it effectively.

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