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www.cheersonline.com 16 • March/April 2017 Sophisticated tequila programs are no longer just for Mexican-themed restaurants. More customers now expect to see a representative selection of tequilas on the backbar of every type of venue these days. And they're looking for more than just the familiar tequila brands. Savvy spirits cognoscenti want to explore the expressions and fl avors—of the entire agave family. Tequila is the focus at The Matador, a Seattle-based, 14-unit upscale casual-dining concept. "We have become a destination for tequila afi cionados in the Northwest and the states we've moved into," says Brian Livesay, an agave expert and the bar manager at the chain's Boise, ID, location. Each of the restaurants stock 120 to 150 different tequilas, based on availability and unit demographics. "Over the past few years, we've been moving into mezcal," adds Livesay, "and have been working to educate our guests about that trendy spirit." That's become a key part of the on-premise experience. "Fine spirits always taste better when you know more about what you are drinking," says Tommy Tardie, owner/operator of the New York-based Goodnight Group. cognoscenti want to explore the expressions and fl avors—of the entire agave family. Tequila is the focus at The Matador, a Seattle-based, 14-unit upscale casual-dining concept. "We have become a destination for tequila afi cionados in the Northwest and the states we've moved into," says Brian Livesay, an agave expert and the bar manager at the chain's Boise, ID, location. Each of the restaurants stock 120 to 150 different tequilas, based on availability and unit demographics. "Over the past few years, we've been moving into mezcal," adds Livesay, "and have been working to educate our guests about that trendy spirit." That's become a key part of the on-premise experience. "Fine spirits always taste better when you know more about what you are drinking," says Tommy Tardie, owner/operator of the New York-based Goodnight Group. Customers are exploring the range and nuances of tequila, mezcal and other agave spirits Sophisticated tequila programs are no longer just for Mexican-themed restaurants. More customers now expect to see a representative selection Sophisticated tequila programs are no longer just for Mexican-themed restaurants. More customers now expect to see a representative selection Sophisticated tequila programs are no longer just for Mexican-themed of tequilas on the backbar of every type of venue these days. And they're looking for more than just the familiar tequila brands. Savvy spirits By Thomas Henry Strenk All About Agave