Celebrate the Espresso Martini with Mr. Black
David Klemt
Partner, KRG Hospitality Inc. | Bar, Beverage and Guest Experience Coach | IHI 2024 Global Top 100 Social Media Influencers in Hospitality | Host of Bar Hacks, IHI 2024 Global Top 40 Hospitality Podcasts
For the second time in its brief but exciting history, Mr. Black Espresso Martini Fest is coming to bars throughout America.
Last year, 70 bars in eight cities across the US took part to celebrate the Espresso Martini. This year, participation more than doubles.
Fourteen cities in ten states will play host to more than 200 bars during the fest. For 2023, Austin, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Nashville, Phoenix, and Seattle are joining in on the fun.
I, for one, expect Espresso Martini Fest to have the same staying power as other cocktail celebrations. The inaugural event took place in 2016 in Australia. In 2018, the Fest spread to the UK. After launching in the US, the week-long event growth has doubled over the course of just one year.
Logically, Mr. Black Espresso Martini Fest should join the ranks of Negroni Week, Old Fashioned Week, and Bee’s Knees Week.
Now, I know I’ve called the Espresso Martini “the cocktail that won’t die.” And yes, I’ve pointed out that it’s not technically a Martini, and that many bartenders hate it for the time it can take to make. That doesn’t mean participating in Espresso Martini Fest is a bad idea.
This is a cocktail that guests enjoy. It’s a drink that generates headlines each year. And clearly it’s a beverage that can drive traffic and generate revenue. At the end of the day, participation is a smart move.
Continue reading on KRGHospitality.com for more details.