VIBE Conference Presents the 2015 VIBE VISTA Awards

Leading Chain Restaurants, Hotels, Casinos and Cruise Lines that actively participate in beverage promotions recognized as VIBE and Johnson & Wales University faculty presented the 2015 VIBE VISTA Awards during the VIBE Conference in Las Vegas last week.

Operators were asked to submit materials and supporting details used in their beverage promotions to the faculty at Johnson & Wales University, headed by Edward Korry.  To insure efficient, fair and unbiased judging and analysis, the VIBE Conference partnered with Johnson & Wales to evaluate all submitted materials. 

Awards were judged for both Multi-Unit Chain Restaurants and for Hotels, Casinos & Cruise Lines in the following categories.

  • Wine Program
  • Beer Program
  • Spirits Program
  • Adult Alcohol-Free Program
  • Menu Program
  • Special Event
  • Responsible Alcohol Service

Submitted materials were judged on the criteria below:

  • How the promotion supports or expands the overall strategic aims.        
  • Unique attributes of the promotion or event.   
  • Demonstration of breadth and selection (depth) of products for the promotion               
  • Marketing, point of sale, promotional support  
  • Server training 
  • Evidence of overall results – sales and profitability          
  • Social responsibility messaging 

And the Winner are: 

Best Beer Program – Hotel

Presented By: Anheuser-Busch 

Winner: Celebrity Cruises


Best Beer Program – Chain

Presented By: New Belgium Brewing 

Winner: Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom


Best Spirits Program – Hotel

Presented By: Campari America 

Winner: Walt Disney Parks & Resorts


Best Spirits Program – Chain

Presented By: William Grant & Sons 

Winner: Hard Rock Café


Best Wine Program – Hotel

Presented By: Folio Fine Wine Partners 

Winner: Hyatt Hotels & Resorts


Best Wine Program – Chain

Presented By: Treasury Wine Estates

Winner: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar


Best Adult Alcohol Free Program – Chain

Presented By: Monin Gourmet Flavorings

Winner: TGI Friday’s


Best Special Event Program – Hotel

Presented By: Beam Suntory 

Winner: InterContinental Hotel Group


Best Special Event Program – Chain

Presented By: Jackson Family Wines

Winner: Bertucci’s


Best Menu – Hotel

Presented By: Edrington Americas

Winner: BOUND bar by Salvatore Calabrese, Cromwell - Las Vegas Hotel


Best Menu – Chain

Presented By: Finest Call Premium Cocktail Mixers 

Winner: Hard Rock Café


Best Responsible Alcohol Service

Presented By: National Restaurant Association 

Winner: Dave & Busters