Kalamazoo, Michigan: As I climbed the steps to Boatyard Brewing Company I stopped to admire the building. Boat bumpers hung from the deck’s posts and fishing net was woven around the step’s banister. A lone bulb illuminated the Boatyard insignia above the door. A light drizzle pattered down onto the wooden deck, the atmosphere and… [Read More]
7C's Winery, Walnut Grove, MO
Innovation: Sunflower Experience - 7 C's Winery created a 2.5 acre Sunflower Field with walking path as an added attraction for visitors.
We celebrate 7C's Winery's innovative spirit! The creation of a safe, outdoor space for their customers and community provided an enjoyable, family-friendly experience during the pandemic. And judging from the incredible turnout of 2,500 visitors during opening week, it was a huge success! To avoid photo bombing and encourage social distancing, groups and families entered at timed intervals. Visitors meandered through the field, enjoying their wine and stopping at the numerous cutouts to take photos against the colorful backdrop of gorgeous sunflowers. 7C's also offered cut flowers and souvenir glasses, enhancing their retail sales, and at the end of the season, they added a "U-Pick" for the edible sunflowers, complete with a recipe for Roasted Sunflower Seeds - yum! The Sunflower Field was such a hit, they are expanding it this year.
Cheers, 7 C's Winery! From everyone at Winery PAK, we wish you continued success!
Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing
Innovation: Craft Meal Kits - in partnership with local food artisans (charcuterie, bakery, butcher, farms), Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing created kits providing all of the fresh ingredients to make a delicious meal, and paired them with the brewery's beers and often a local winery.
We applaud Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing's amazing creativity and collaboration with their local food artisans who were also impacted by the shutdown. They not only strengthened their community by joining forces with other craft businesses, but they also gave their loyal customers a new experience with a different menu story each week. Customers were highly engaged and often sent videos or tagged the brewery on social media. Most importantly, the weekly meal kit deliveries throughout their community were a wonderful way to make a personal connection with their customers during the pandemic.
Cheers, Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing! From everyone at Brewery PAK, we wish you continued success!
