Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Bank Street Brewhouse thread at the Louisville Restaurants Forum.

Tuesday was a long day on the road as NABC’s Bank Street Brewhouse team rented a van and took a field trip to Indianapolis. We visited Brugge Brasserie and Broad Ripple Brewpub, both in Broad Ripple, and MacNiven’s, a Scottish-styled pub on the rapidly regenerating Massachusetts Avenue corridor.

Later, on the way back home, there was a stop at the Columbus Bar/Power House Brewing Co., located downtown opposite a big building site that eventually will become a hotel and plaza.

Earlier in the day, I served up a topic on the Louisville Restaurants Forum. It’s a preview of sorts, and if you weren’t following the thread, take a glance.

Your opinion about a hypothetical bill of fare?

It frankly amazes me that the presence of something like Diet Coke might make or break a person's decision to dine in a particular establishment.

Your opinions are appreciated.

10 comments:

Iamhoosier said...

I think Carla is the smartest person on that board. NOT!!!!!

That being said, I'm glad that the success of the new venture is not dedicated strictly to "in store" business. I'm not sure where I will end up more often. I live closer to the original but sometimes do not go due to the crowds(uh, Carla, you need to see this place at night). In my case, it will probably be where I will see my friends more often.

Meatbe said...

Your "hypothetical" bill of fare sounds great to me. I think that most people like something that is unique, and will want to give it a try. I will definitely go to the Bank Street venue often, both because of the location and because of the non-smoking atmosphere. And I promise not to sneer at anyone.

Highwayman said...

I tried to post this on the food forum but my registration isn't confirmed yet.

At any rate a couple of points. While I'm not as adventurous about foods as I've been about beer, I'm intrigued about the proposed menu.

Perhaps Bankstreet will somewhat as successful in altering my dietary tastes as Richo's has been with my liquid refreshment preferences.

The fact that is within walking distance of my house is an attraction as well.

Due to some less than stellar experiences from my youth, I rarely go to Louisville to dine & consume alchol which has to some degree contributed to my limited palate.

That being said, I welcome the idea of being able to try something new located within my comfort zone.

As for the liquid refreshments, you know I'll be there!

Ceece said...

Personal Ceece:

It frankly amazes me that the presence of something like Diet Coke might make or break a person's decision to dine in a particular establishment.

Isn't that a little hypocritical?:-) Don't you make the same decisions based on what beer is served? I don't drink beer, actually much alcohol at all, but my husband does,loves craft/micro brews. We like to go to places we'll both enjoy, and I drink Cokes and Iced Tea. Also, my kiddos don't drink cokes or beer. so sucks to be them and they get water? Perhaps I am missing the challenge with offering the same beverage selection you've got at RichO's. I highly doubt my coke-swilling will tarnish anyones experience at the brewhouse.

Business Ceece:
The marketer/advertiser in me wonders if you need to sit down and re-think your target market. If you don't want families/non-beer drinkers to visit then stay with what you're proposing, and expect a smaller niche market. Yes, you'll undoubtedly have regulars, and loads of people trying it out, but I'm unsure of the repeat business.

As I said, perhaps you need to be more clear about your target market and the results you desire from them.

The New Albanian said...

We will be offering a variety of craft sodas, as we'd like to refrain from corporate ones. There are menu items capable of being scaled down for kids.

Iamhoosier said...

I'm still waiting to hear about straws!?

Ceece said...

re:straws what about the noodle straws!?

lawguy said...

Been to MacNivens many times when in Indy. A great place! They serve bourbon, by the way...will you?

The New Albanian said...

We'll start with a few good bourbons and go from there. We're looking for good things from non-corporate producers. Suggestions are welcomed.

Iamhoosier said...

Huber's Winery makes a dandy brandy.