Sometimes, a cocktail is just a drink. For those that aren’t aware, I started my own agency last year after almost 5 years working with the Bacardi USA family of brands. It is never easy to say goodbye to friends, colleagues and mentors in the pursuit of personal and professional happiness but we all must follow an inner voice that inspires and motivates us on to new and wonderful horizons. Doing so in the midst of a Global Pandemic is probably the most terrifying leap I have ever made and I have succeeded and failed at a few pretty big ones over my career! However, it was also founded on the belief that I could offer over 20 years of hospitality experience to so many more operators, brands and friends as we all come to terms with how the industry had changed and evolved as a result of the pandemic. The National Accounts landscape is one that many industry professionals are not familiar with. As someone who has focused on that segment for the last 6 years, I have come top realize the enormous challenge that is faced by operators, marketing teams, training managers, suppliers and all possible levels of these large organizations. The desire to innovate, stay relevant and appeal to both existing and new guests alike, is a constant battle of dreams and reality. Sometimes, a cocktail is more than a drink. It is one of my greatest professional honors to be able to share a brand new cocktail that will be featured at all PF Changs locations nationwide for the next 3 months. A collaboration that took a small army of dedicated rockstars many months to bring to life and one that I only played a very small part in. What the team lead by Elisa has achieved is something I hope you all have a chance to experience yourselves. It has shown me how almost anything is possible with the right commitment to a single vision, dedication to the process, overcoming challenges as a team and truly working with all partners to create a unique experience. I am humbled and proud of what the entire team have created. “Iwai Of The Tiger” @mars.iwai 45 Japanese Whisky @stgermain Elderflower Liqueur Lemon Pineapple Green Tea @real_cocktail_ingredients Agave Mint