Prices are not a concern for consumers who are drinking high-end alcohol and craft beers.
Consumers are spending more money on alcohol than ever before but not because they’re drinking more. Peter Reidhead of the research firm GuestMetrics, which monitors drink sales at 6,000 bars and restaurants, reported in May that GuestMetrics data show wines costing more than $10 a glass now make up 48 percent of the volume of wine sold. Craft beers make up 31 percent of all beer sales at bars and restaurants. Both categories saw their market share grow about 6.5 percent in the past year, the Redlands (Calif.) Daily Facts reported.
Bartenders generally charge $6 for a craft beer, Reidhead says, versus about $4.25 for a domestic, mainstream beer.
R.J. Demond works during weekday lunch services, as well as evening and weekend catering hours. Demond says he too has noticed is a burgeoning trend of consumers that have made a point of being educated about their drink options, Facts reported.
“A lot of the time people who want craft cocktails know what they like, and price isn’t a concern,” Demond said. “Especially when it comes to bourbons. It’s just really big right now. I appreciate this more than when someone has no idea what they like. If we can have a conversation about their likes and dislikes, I can make better suggestions for them as a server.”
Seamus Cattaneo, a manager at Joe Greensleeves, acknowledges the blossoming craft cocktail trend and said he is in awe of what people are paying these days for cocktails. Cattaneo said he has learned over the years that providing quality service to customers rather than focusing on revolving trends is the best way to keep a customer coming back, Facts reported.
The good news, Cattaneo said, is that most customers don’t care about small price increases as long as they get a good product, Facts reported.
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