Episode 26: Deck Season at Birdies

Cocktails With Friends

Episode Title: Deck Season at Birdie's

In this episode of "Cocktails with Friends," Bob Cutler sits down with Matt Robinson to talk about their latest venture, Birdies—a new restaurant at the Bangor Municipal Golf Course. They discuss the importance of restaurant collaborations and how they crafted specialized cocktails for Birdies.

Main Topics Covered:

• The inception and vision behind Birdies restaurant.

• Crafting a cocktail menu tailored for golf enthusiasts.

• The integration of local craft beer into Birdies beverage program.

• Strategies for effective customer engagement and service.

Key Insights:

Culinary Collaboration: Matt and Bob highlight the importance of collaboration in the restaurant industry, discussing how their past experiences have influenced their current practices at Birdies.

Beverage Innovation: The episode provides a deep dive into the creation of a specialized cocktail menu that appeals to golfers and introduces a wider audience to innovative drinks.

Community and Quality: The discussion underscores the significance of maintaining high-quality offerings and the impact of introducing craft experiences to diverse demographics, proving that location does not limit appreciation for quality.

Episode Index

[00:00:00] Introduction to Birdies and the new restaurant at Bangor Municipal Golf Course [00:01:00] Bob and Matt's history: From Family Dog to Novio's to Birdies [00:02:20] Matt’s journey: Bissell Brothers, opening locations, and food operations [00:03:40] Moving to Portland: Standardizing operations and administrative challenges [00:05:00] Overcoming kitchen limitations and balancing operations at Birdies [00:06:00] Craft beer focus: Integrating a strong beer program at Birdies [00:07:50] Engaging customers: Sharing passion and introducing new products [00:09:00] Cocktail menu innovations: Golf-themed cocktails and simple builds [00:10:50] Signature drinks: Stories behind the “Four FORE” and “Good Good” cocktails [00:12:30] Future plans: Excitement about upcoming programs and commitment to quality [00:16:00] Challenges in food service: Managing expectations and kitchen constraints [00:20:00] Creating a unique dining experience: Combining food and beverage expertise [00:24:00] Marketing strategies: Building a strong social media presence for Birdies [00:28:00] Customer feedback: Adapting menu offerings based on preferences [00:32:00] Conclusion: Looking forward to a successful summer season at Birdies [00:34:00] Outro: Thanking listeners and promoting Birdies' social media and website

About The Guest:

Matt Robinson, affectionately known as Matty Rowe, Matty Two Sheets, and Matty Poors, is a longtime friend of host Bob Cutler and a seasoned professional in the food and beverage industry. His background includes managing Bissell Brothers Three Rivers in Milo and the Family Dog in Orono, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion to Birdies.