Q2 2023 NEWSLETTER
JOHN PLEW CEO/Founder
Restaurant service is one of the most important factors in any hospitality experience. It’s even more critical when people are stressed about the economy and watching their spending. To stand out in the current climate, we must provide not only excellent guest service but quality food and drinks, as well as an enjoyable environment. That’s why leadership has been focused on getting back to our brand standards that set us apart from the competition prior to COVID and will do the same for us now.
Like any change, the new normal can take some getting used to. The truth is we’re remaining flexible, defining (and redefining) what the new normal looks like for us. I am optimistic the 2nd half of the year will bring stability and continued success.
Thank you for your collective efforts and dedication towards remaining strong and motivated to deliver on our brand standards. Your can-do spirit has helped the company stay competitive in today’s ever-changing marketplace.
Working together despite the challenges we’ve experienced the last few years is a testament of a true team. Thank you and keep up the good work.
Addison, TX
Opening
Oct ‘23
The Addison Thirsty Lion location is on track to open in Fall of 2023. The restaurant will be 7,000 square feet.
Glendale, AZ Groundbreaking
Much anticipated groundbreaking ceremony with the City of Glendale on June 20th for our 5th Arizona Thirsty Lion location. Scheduled to open late December 2023.
Form CEG, putting the shovel to the dirt are—Zane Maxwell, Julia Thorn, Susan Thompson, John Plew, Chris McNally and Eve Kaufmann.
Providing Hope For Kids
Grand Central Bowl and Thirsty Lion sold 2103 Irish Mules over the St. Patrick’s Day 2023. For each Irish Mule purchased, a $1 donation was made to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
In addition, William Grant our partner contributed $5K on our behalf. That along with what was donated directly on our link brings the total donation for 2023 to $7,446. Our 11-year St Baldricks donation total has reached $300,000.
The research St. Baldrick’s funds has the potential to impact every kid diagnosed with cancer.
Supporting the local community is part of CEG’s mission. Great job team!
Q2 Anniversaries (5+ Years)
THOMAS REEVES Washington Square (12) April
JAKE COLCORD Corporate (11) April
BRYAN WALKER Corporate (9) April
ALISON HOWELL Corporate (9) April
AARON MENSCH Grandscape (9) April
SUSAN THOMPSON Corporate (10) June
RECENTLY PROMOTED
EMILY SALE (Grandscape, from hourly to MGR) Emily has been with Thirsty Lion 4 yrs MANDIE JOHNSTON (Chandler, from AGM to GM)
REHIRES
MIGUEL AMARO (San Tan, Executive Chef) MICHAEL MYERS (Tempe, Manager)
NEWLY HIRED
CAITLIN ORMAN (Grand Central Bowl, MGR) SETH APODACA (Tempe, MGR) CARLOS HERRERA (SanTan, GM) MOSES NAVARETTE (Chandler, sous chef) NATHAN FINK (Grandscape, AGM)
Congratulations to the Grandscape team who marked their 1st anniversary April 26th. Keep the momentum going.
Wine Socials
Our first Thirsty Lion CAYMUS Wine Social was hosted at Tempe on April 20th. It was a huge success and we received nothing but great reviews. WSQ hosted theirs on June 22nd with the same rave reviews. Stay tuned, one will be coming to your store soon.
Oregon Tanasbourne – Wednesday, 8/16 Arizona Chandler – Wednesday, 7/19 Desert Ridge – Thursday, 7/20 Denver Wednesday, 8/9 Texas Grandscape – Thursday, 7/13 Preston Hollow – Thursday, 7/20 Music Factory – Thursday, 8/3 Glade Parks – Wednesday, 8/30
New Brunch + Cocktail Items
Scheduled to roll out July 15th at all Thirsty Lions.
What’s New:
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes Breakfast Taco Kimchi Fried Rice & Eggs Southern Fried Chicken Benedict Classic Fried Egg & Bacon Sandwich Watermelon Splash Cocktail Tajin Michelada Tito’s Hibiscus Lemonade Iced Espresso Cocktail
Staff Spotlight:
Bryan Walker
It all started on his way to class in 2014…Bryan’s bicycle frame cracked. In need of money for repairs he applied for dishwasher at GCB but instead was hired to repair the bowling machines. His ‘can do’ attitude and willingness to assist where needed caught the eye of the GM. He soon rose to the rank of manager. After six years of working in all areas at GCB, Bryan was recruited by the accounting dept. Weeks later we shut down due to COVID, at which time, he kept the Oregon properties secure and assisted in the migration to R365. From bowling repairman to accountant & property management it’s been quite the journey. Bryan says his story is just one example of how CEG values employees, providing opportunities for those willing to work hard.
Wine Wednesday Returns!
For a Limited Time Only, July 17 - August 30, Thirsty Lion will be offering 1/2 priced bottles of wine on Wednesday.
As part of the promotion, there will be a store level employee contest and a company wide contest for the most bottles sold by store. Stay tuned for more details.
Guest Feedback
Going Above & Beyond
Everyday our teams work hard to provide the best guest experiences. And, everyday we receive great comments from guests. Here are just a few examples of recent guest comments.
Employee Benefits
As part of keeping your hourly population informed of the benefits we offer, we have created an Hourly Benefits. Each store has received 2 copies : one to post and the other as a back-up.
This information has also been added as a link on our website at the following location: https://grandcentralbowl.com/careers https://www.thirstyliongastropub.com/careers
FOLLOW OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE
Want to become an Instagram contributor? Ask a manager about submitting photos for our official Thirsty Lion page!