Last night my friend Bob and I were at the bar at Bardog for “Melissa Monday,” so named because it’s the one day a week bartender Melissa works a happy hour shift. Bardog’s owner, Aldo, was there hanging Christmas stockings on the bar. Each employee – each bartender, server, barback, kitchen employee, and manager – had their own stocking, their name written on it in glitter.
“It’s the little things like this,” Aldo told Bob and me. It’s just a stocking, he explained, but it tells the employees that they’re cared about, that they are part of the family. “Making money is nice, of course, but it’s also showing respect” to the people who work for him, Aldo said. It’s a winning strategy. Because Aldo shows his employees respect, turnover at Bardog is very, very low. And because employees at Bardog tend to stick around for years, they have time to develop relationships with customers. Which creates more and more regulars. Which is good for business.
Yeah I’d come to Bardog a lot in any case, because I like the bar. But why am I there most Mondays for happy hour? To see Melissa, who by the way has been there since the day the place opened, more than 6 years.
Why is Bardog my first stop on Saturday mornings? To see Panda, who has been there since the day the place opened.
Why is Bardog usually my first stop on Sunday mornings? To see Bloom, who has been there since the day the place opened.
It’s a strategy that makes a lot of sense. Treat your employees like they are valuable, not expendable, and your employees will build your business for you.
On to the news… AP has an article about coaches who could be moving up in the college football world soon. Memphis Tigers head coach Justin Fuente was among those mentioned. This is the first time Memphis football hasn’t sucked in many, many years. The university may need to make some moves to retain his services. If Nebraska or Florida came calling, could you blame Fuente for at least considering it?
Another local coach is in the news too… Dave Joerger has been named the October/November NBA Western Conference Coach of the Month. The CA’s Chris Herrington pointed out that the Joerger has been coach seven months that the award was handed out, and he has won it three of those seven times.
Cafe Pontotoc has announced that it will start serving brunch beginning this Saturday.
Friday is the 81st anniversary of the end of Prohibition. The Blind Bear Speakeasy will throw a Repeal Party that night to celebrate. Ever seen the black-and-white photos on the wall of the back dining room, and wanted your picture on there? Dress in your best gangster or flapper attire, because the Bear will have a professional photographer on hand. (Look for a pic of me sitting at the poker table on the wall.) There will be drink specials, costume contests, and live music by the Lee Taylor Band.
The Rendezvous is hosting an Official Grizzlies Watch Party tomorrow night at 7, with the Grizzlies’ away game at Houston on the TVs. There will be beer specials and giveaways.
There’s a Groupon for the Madison Hotel with dates into March. $129 for a queen bed room, $139 for a king bed room, or $195 for a suite with king bed and sleeper sofa. Interesting note: I took a peek at the available dates and Valentine’s Day weekend has NOT been blacked out as of yet. That could make a thoughtful getaway weekend with your sweetheart.
The Tigers men’s basketball team hosts Stephen F. Austin tonight at FedExForum at 6. First 5000 fans get a free Shaq Goodwin poster.
I want to give a shout-out to the folks at Bluefin. The past two Sundays I have eaten there late afternoon. Those are the only two times I have been in the sushi bar in the past eight months or so, and yet everyone there knew my name and treated me like a king. Much appreciated.
From the Flyer’s Hungry Memphis Blog: Arcade applies for liquor license, plans nighttime business. With Double J, Max’s Sports Bar, Earnestine & Hazel’s, and the Blue Monkey nearby there’s already plenty of foot traffic in the area at night.
That’ll do it for now. In the middle of a fun project so I’m ready to get back to work. I will probably play poker at the Blind Bear at 8, with stops at nearby bars before to pre-game.