Today’s business moves very quickly and is heavily impacted by the latest trends. Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter not only give business owner’s access to ten’s of thousands of potential customers, and they are FREE.

If you think that these networks are Fad’s or “time wasters”, think again! Here are some amazing stat’s;

• By 2010 Gen Y will out number Baby Boomers and 96% of them have joined a social network.
• Facebook added 100 Million users in just 9 months, and if it were a country it would be the worlds 4th largest.
• 80% of Twitter usage is on Mobile devices, people update anywhere, anytime. Imagine what that means for BAD customer experiences?
• Social Media is not a fad, it is a fundamental shift in how we communicate

We utilize this same technology to market our listings to a whole generation of young, vibrant, business minded entrepreneurs. Many of today’s most successful young business people check their Facebook, Twitter and Blog feeds before they have breakfast! If your business is not being exposed on these resources, you are not getting the representation that is required in today’s marketplace.

When you are looking for a company to sell your business, ask the hard questions. Not just if they are utilizing these resources, but how big are their networks? What is the flowback from these sources?

Cutting edge, technology based marketing techniques, traditional advertising methods such as print and newspaper, combined with good old fashioned face-to-face sales calls is what makes us the most well rounded solution for getting your business sold.

Leaving no stone unturned!

Rob

We are very proud to announce today, the signing of a new location for Olivier Reynaud and Paul Rogalski, for their newest restaurant Bistro Rouge located in West Market Square on Sirocco Drive SW. This will be a fantastic addition to the Westside Area for people who love great food and great service, set in a contemporary French Brasserie.

The partnership of Olivier Reynaud and Executive Chef Paul Rogalski garnered critical acclaim when they opened Rouge in the iconic A.E. Cross House, located in the historic Inglewood area of Calgary. Since opening their doors 11 years ago, the accolades have poured in including making the prestigious  San Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants List (2010).

We want to thank Olivier & Paul for the opportunity to work with them on this exciting project and we wish them much success in this new venture.

David Parker's Column from the Calgary Herald Business Section

Well…. it’s been a while since I have blogged, but I have a good reason today. I met up with a buddy of mine, Richard Fuller for lunch, he is the owner of The Trough Dining Co. in Canmore. It was just a reason to have a bite and get the 411 on what’s happening in Canmore. If you haven’t been to The Trough, it is reason enough to make the beautiful drive to Canmore. Dana and I love the place, Richard takes great care of his customers, the food is fantastic and it’s a great romantic evening, check it out!

We decided to visit another friend of mine, who I just helped purchase his latest restaurant. I had listed Capo for Giuseppe & Fiona Di Gennaro so that they could focus on their new project on 17^th Ave, the stunning Borgo Trattoria. Rob Greco has purchased the old Capo space in Inglewood and it has now blossomed into The Fine Diner and the transformation is nothing short of amazing!

A focus on local suppliers and a “farm-to-table” mentality, this little diner in Inglewood is turning out some very cool offerings.

I walk in and right away get a wave from Rob in the kitchen, Richard already has a table and we get right down to the business of ordering. We left the appetizer up to Mardi or “Mom” as she is known by in Inglewood, after 10+ years of taking care of people in the area, she is VERY well known. She brings us a plate of Ahi Tacos, they were so fresh and perfectly crunchy, score one for Mom!

Richard decides on the Diner Burger and I just let the Chef surprise me with his choice, which ended up being a Mushroom Provolone Burger. I have eaten many a burger over the years, chain restaurants, a great burger joint in LA, a ridiculously awesome burger truck in Bondi Beach Australia etc etc. But I can honestly say that I don’t think I have ever had a better burger than the one I had today. I sat here trying to come up with an adequate description, but I just can’t put it into words that do it justice. Now this may seem like I’m being silly or pandering to a client, but I challenge you to visit The Fine Diner and then if you think there is a better burger out there, I want to hear about it. SERIOUSLY!

Rob…you, John and the team at The Fine Diner have hit it out of the park!

Well… we have been “kidless” around our house for the last few days, so the wife and I have been enjoying some romantic nights out. My good friend Jared Kichula and his stunning wife Aja have just returned from their honeymoon, so they invited us to join them for dinner at their wonderful restaurant La Vita e Bella, in the historic Dafoe Terrace Building in Victoria Park.

La Vita e Bella has been a labor of love for Jared and Aja, and it shows in every aspect of this warm and sophisticated restaurant. From maintaining the old world feel of the classic brick building, to the pictures on the wall, most of them taken by Aja on their trips to Italy.

We arrived and were greeted by the hostess with a warm smile and taken out to the patio, where our host and his better half were enjoying a glass of wine. Before I can push in Dana’s chair and sit down, a plate of Antipasto is put down on the table. Now... I’m thinking this is my buddy Jared having everything timed perfectly, but truth be told it is actually because they were hungry and because I am terrible for being late, if it’s not a business meeting. We settled in and enjoyed the Antipasto and then some Bruschetta, both of which were fresh and flavorful. More wine, conversation and wine, did I mention more wine?

The time has arrived for dinner, like I hadn't eaten enough by then, but we order our Secondi because I can't wait to try the chefs fare. Dana decides on the Vitello Scallopini, pan seared with gnocchi, cherry tomatoes, garlic, shallots, capers & fresh lemon juice. It was fantastic, the gnocchi was like velvet. I intended to go light and watch my calorie count but Jared was adamant that I try the Bistecca, 18oz local Alberta Prime Grade, Bone-in Rib Eye Steak served on a bed of arugula and cherry tomatoes and finished with a little extra virgin olive oil. That combined with the Risotto that was calling my name, has now thrown my light plan to the curb. I have to say that it is one of the best steaks I have had in a long time, and that is a bold statement considering where we live, but true none the less.

We finished the meal with dessert, a house made tiramisu cheesecake, Aja’s favorite and now mine, but hands down the gold medal winner was the house made panna cotta. I will return again and again for this simple but elegant dessert, amazing!

Coffee and aperitifs, more conversation….. I could have stayed all night, and just about did. I have to say that if you enjoy world class food brought to your table with friendly sincere service, then don’t wait for the next hockey game or concert, visit this gem of restaurant and experience it for yourself.

Thank you to Aja and Jared for a relaxing and very special dining experience. Nothing makes a great meal better, than sharing it with great friends. Grazie tanto!

Well this is a first for me. A client texted me yesterday to let me know that he was sorry that the café in Canmore that he was considering buying had “ditched”. Unsure of what he meant, I called to ask. He informed me that a family member who lives in Canmore was told that the owners of the restaurant had done a “midnight move” and stripped the place bare. Not only that, but they had left a DEAD horse on the front lawn!

Not that I didn’t believe him or his kin, but I had to verify this disturbing turn of events. I called my good friend Frank Barbaro, owner of the great little Italian restaurant Santa Lucia. Frank confirmed that they had done exactly that, and it was a horse skeleton. Seriously….WTF.. why is the realtor always the last to know? Not that I would have showed up with my truck and helped move tables and chairs or anything like that, but a phone call would have been ok with me!

Well.. I guess it was a not so subtle statement that the landlord had killed the Whyte Horse? The question now begs….do I still have a listing??

P.S. Here is an article that ran in the Calgary Herald the day after this post. Light switches and toilets......REALLY??!! Story Link

Can I use the word “WOP” without offending my many Italian friends? Well…. in this case I don’t have a choice and if I offend you with the reference, then go down to 1216 - 9th Ave SE, walk upstairs and tell Executive Chef Angelo Contrada and his business partner Jesse Johnson how you feel. But while you’re there..... try the pizza!!

This is the latest homerun from the duo that brought us Sugo in 2001. WOP is located right next door to Sugo in the old Nectar Desserts space. The focal point of the restaurant (besides the great pizza and affordable wine and beer selection) is the “Ferrariesque” pizza oven that pounds out pizza at an astonishing pace. The beauty of the oven is that you get a perfect pizza in less than the time it takes to check the oil in your Pinto. The casual warmth of the room is immediate and you feel right at home. This is a spot you can come to in jeans and a t-shirt before a hockey game or dressed to the nines after a charity fundraiser.

Take a minute to peruse the online menu at their website, and make a trip down the next chance you get. The ingredients include Buffalo Mozzarella, the freshest Arugula and Basil, and Spicy Wild Boar Prosciutto, which I tried and it is amazing! You will agree that this is what pizza should be, warm, delicious and fun, like sitting in your Nona’s kitchen! Buon Appetito!

PS. If you run into me around town, ask me for one of the unique “gift certificates” for WOP, I’m gonna beg Ang and Jesse for a stock pile so I can keep one in my pocket all the time.

I just want to take a minute to thank the Alefantis Brothers of The Broken Plate Group of Restaurants for the invite to last Saturday's inaugural Greek Poker Tourny. All of the profits went to benefit the Calgary Hellenic Society's Special Projects Fund.

Now... being a poker virgin, I was a little hesitant to sit down at the tables. But after hearing that the 4th place player had never played before, and had a set of rules in his pocket, I am bound and determined to play next time!

The cast of characters in attendance was a who's who of Calgary restaurant owners, but they shall remain nameless, to protect the identity of those who were supposed to be at work!! LOL!! You know who you were! The food was great and a lot of money was raised for a great cause, I am looking forward to the next one, and yes Vic, I am bringing my wallet and my lack of experience with me!

Cheers!

Doing our best to get in a little "no kids/date time" last week, my wife and I managed to escape for a few hours and enjoy some patio time on Stephen Ave. With the weather as warm as it was, the patios were packed, but we were glad to get a space at Divino's. We enjoyed a number of appetizer plates (the House Made Rabbit Sausage was outstanding!), and a great bottle of wine (2007 Robert Weil Riesling). Our server Brett was very well versed on the menu and wine list and made the evening.

While we were sitting, talking and enjoying the night, we were really impressed by a musician who was playing on the mall. Ben Rose has an amazing song list and the crowd was as impressed as we were, even asking him for an encore. I have made his name a an active link, if anyone is thinking of having entertainment for a corporate function or other event or venue, you should really look him up.

Well it was another reason to hire a babysitter and explore the Calgary food scene, my lovely wife's birthday! When our close friends Oliver and Meg Malana (Oliver is the GM of Canadian Linen here in Calgary) heard the reason for the proposed night out, they quickly called one of Oliver's accounts and made reservations. This was my first visit to Il Sogno, so the anticipation was high to sample the culinary artistry I had heard so much about.

We arrived a few minutes early and were greeted with a warm smile and escorted immediately to our table. Our server James was professional, very polite and extremely engaging, so this set the mood for a great dining experience. As many of you know I am not much of a drinker, so Oliver introduced me to a Whisky Sour, while Dana and Meg enjoyed a couple of specialty Martini's. We chose to try Chef de Cuisine Christopher Picek's nightly creation, a five course menu which was left up to his inspiration.... with a little direction from the ladies at the table of course, it was their evening!

We first started with an Apple and Potato Salad taster made with Brassica Mustard and topped with Mezzuna Greens which was fresh, creamy and crisp, this was followed by a WONDERFUL Chicken Liver Parfait with Toasted Crostini accented beautifully by a Roasted Garlic Cream and Candy Cane Young Beets. The next plating was a House made Gnocchi served in a delicate sauce with Black Trumpet Mushrooms, a nice combination. We then had a small palate refresher of sorbet to ready us for the main course of Fresh Perch with Crushed Rosetta Potato's in a Toasted Pine-nut and Raisin Brown Butter Sauce, a splendidly warm and inviting dish! Last but not least, dessert was Pannacotta with an Orange Sugarhorn and Pistachio Cream. Dana's was topped with a candle in honor of the occasion, and as always, an espresso finished off this great meal.

Il Sogno is a room steeped in history and warmth. Located in the DeWaal Building in the community of Bridgeland. When you walk in you can't help but notice they have taken full advantage of a building that will turn 100 years old this year. The decor is simple and elegant with the original 14 foot pressed tin ceilings which still has the pressed tin and in consideration of our dinner partners, the Egyptian cotton linen really is noticeable when you sit down. If you have not taken the time, I highly recommend a visit, but make sure you give yourself the time to relax and enjoy the culinary delight that is Il Sogno!

Thank you to the team at Il Sogno for a relaxing and delicious dining experience, everything was perfect! Bravo and Grazie tanto!

During coffee we decided to drive downtown to one of my favorite spots which is Murrieta's in the Alberta Hotel on Stephen Ave. I love the high ceiling in the main dining room so we asked if there was a 4 top available. While we were waiting for a table to be readied, someone put thier hand on my shoulder and I turned to see my buddy Jaime Mansour the General Manager of 1600 World Bier Haus, along with my good friend George Haralabakos the man behind 1410, 1600 and Classic Jack's. They had just come from 2011 Calgary Choice Awards, Calgary's version of the Oscars. After handshakes and hugs, because my wife never passes up an opportunity to give George a hug, we settled into another round of drinks (which I found out later my friend George had taken care of for us! Thank you again my friend!) The ladies informed us that another desert was in order so we dove into a round of decadent treats, oh the carnage!

As we sat pondering the next destination, I decided to text George and see if they could squeeze us into 1410 World Bier Haus for some drinks and dancing. Again, abusing the hospitality of friends, we grabbed a table after having an obligatory cocktail with our host's (did I mention that I don't drink much!) and settled in to enjoy the music and the vibe. the DJ was playing some great tunes and the ladies enjoyed a few dances as we closed down a great night out. If you have not been into 1410 lately you have to make a trip down and scope out the renovation, it's all new and much bigger.

Thank you to everyone who took care of us on Saturday and especially to Oliver and his beautiful wife Meg for making a night out on the town something special!

It was an amazing night of music, food and friendship at the University of Calgary Theatre on Monday night as the AHEPA Family, The Broken Plate Restaurants and the Alefantis Family sponsored an evening of music to benefit FARA and the search for a cure for Friedreich's Ataxia. This debilitating disease has recently touched the Greek community in Calgary and they rallied to raise as much money as possible to aid in researching a treatment and hopefully a cure. Dana and I were very grateful to be invited to attend this event by our good friend Diane Polesello on behalf of the Alefantis family.

The evening started with an awe inspiring array of food prepared by the talented culinary team from The Broken Plate. As usual, they out did themselves with everything from Thai Chicken in single serving take out boxes to Lobster Claws and my personal favorite, the Duck Cigar's. There was also an excellent selection of Greek wine with cheese platters and fresh fruit. Have you ever noticed when you attend a function in the Greek community, and they tell you there will be appy's, it is more like a gourmet Las Vegas Buffet! No wonder I hate my bathroom scale!

"One Night Only - Two Great Guitarists - One Great Show" definitely lived up to the billing, as world class guitarist's Pavlo and Calgarian Oscar Lopez put on a superb show. This was my first time witnessing the unbelievable guitar skill of Pavlo, who is no stranger to virtually all who attended. His talent is evident as soon as he walks on stage, but what really struck me was his passion for his art and how it is received by the audience. I have seen Garth Brooks, Janet Jackson and many, many more, but I have to say that this was one of the most enjoyable evenings I have ever spent listening to an artist. Pavlo will be returning to Calgary on February 28, 2010 to play the Jack Singer Concert Hall along with friends Oscar Lopez and Rik Emmet of Triumph to play new music from their album "Trifecta", if you can, make sure you get out and take in the show!

The silent auction was full of great items, from a spa weekend at the Banff Springs to autographed hockey sticks and jersey's from the Calgary Flames. I got the nod from Dana to bid on a few items, but in the end I left empty handed. A word to the wise, when you bid on sports memorabilia at a silent auction full of guys who own pubs and restaurants, bring your checkbook baby! My buddy Vic Alefantis bested me a couple of times, so I will have to visit Richmonds Pub to see my autographed Iginla jersey. It is kinda like the guitar in Wayne's World, "It will be mine..oh yes..it will be mine!" Bring it to the next poker night buddy, cause I'm bringing my "A" game!!

A great time was had by all who attended and the money raised went to finding a cure and treatment for this terrible disease.

Cheers!

Got an email this morning from my buddy Rob Hilditch of the Joey's Only group of companies, telling me he is growing a moustache (Texas handlebar with a soul patch I was later informed) to raise money for Prostate Cancer research. So after I stopped shaking with laughter and found my Blackberry on the floorboard of my truck, (all the while trying not to drive off the road) I fired up the laptop and donated $50 bucks to this physically impossible, yet very good cause on behalf of Rob's efforts.

Now we are all aware that Prostate Cancer is not a laughing matter (Rob's face with a handle bar is an entirely different kettle of fish) and this is something that has touched both Rob and I in our families. I would love to be able to join Rob in his quest to raise as much money as possible, but I have 2 problems,

1) As most of you know I have a pretty healthy Goatee and no issues with its growth.

2) I would consider shaving my head to raise money for the cause, but my head doesn't share the same growth initiative that my face has.

Hence the reason for my blog today, as I am relegated to being a booster for my buddy Rob and his great plan to raise some money for research and eventually a cure for this vicious disease. Please take a minute and click on the Logo below, donate whatever you can afford and help my buddy Rob be the biggest fundraiser of the bunch!!

Cheers!

On Saturday night I met some friends at 1600 World Bier Haus, in the Glenmore Landing Shopping Centre at 90th Ave and 14thStreet SW, to celebrate a birthday. Now, it was a short notice kinda thing, so when it was put together, I got a call asking if there was anyway I might be able to help out with getting us a table. (I know a couple of people in the restaurant and pub biz I guess was the rationale for the call, LOL)

Well... I sheepishly called my good friend George Haralabakos to see if I could impose on him for a favor. Now, when you make this kinda call, it is never for a reservation for 2 on a Tuesday night at 8:45pm....NO... it is always for a party of 19 (18 guys and 1 girl) at 11:oopm on a Saturday and you ask for no line, no cover, the best table in the house and a promo tab! Ok.. I'm exaggerating a little, but non the less, it was a "Hail Mary" request, and my friend George came through for me, making me look like the rock-star I wish I was! (by the way, this was the first time my wife had met George, and ladies...the word she used to describe him was...hmm what was that word... oh ya...Gorgeous!!, settle down Dana!!)

When we arrived, the pub was packed and we were escorted to our "VIP" table by 1600's General Manager, Jaime Mansour, a veteran of Calgary's Restaurant and Bar scene. I love a room that's electric and that is the only way to describe 1600!  The crowd was well dressed and very attractive, trendy without the attitude you find at some of the Downtown hot-spots. As we sat down, the DJ was  just starting to pump out some amazing music, current dance hits combined with retro classic's from just about every era. Now.. being an old DJ from back in the day, I'm not easily impressed, but the mixes were smooth and VERY creative, really adding to the feel of the night.

As we sat there enjoying the conversation and the drinks (WOW, that Three Olives Grape Vodka goes down WAY too easy!) I noticed a familiar face moving through the crowd. It was the other half of the "Dynamic Duo", Ernie Tsu, a man well known in the Industry as one of Calgary's most respected and experienced operators. Ernie made his way through the crowd, stopping to say hello and checking on his customers, all the while not missing a detail about the way the room was running. After stopping to say hi and see how we were doing, he was off again, I love to watch a pro in action!

Ernie and George, along with George's brother Ari, are also the driving force behind two of 17th Avenue's hottest spot's, Classic Jacks and 1410 World Bier Haus, so it's no great surprise as to the success of their latest project.

So here is a big thank-you to George, Ernie and Jaime for their hospitality and friendship, and to Candice for the GREAT service! It was a great evening and I can't wait to return for another night out!

If you are planning an evening out, either with friends or just the two of you, take the time to visit 1600 World Bier Haus. Get there early and enjoy something from the fabulous menu (Ernie told me how proud he is of the response the food is getting, and I can say first hand, that it is excellent!!) and then stay and party the night away. I personally guarantee...It's worth the trip!

Once again, Twitter has lead me to another unique find, a Blog by a local Calgary foodie!

If you are into eatin', loungin' or just plain hangin out, this is a great look at the Calgary food scene from the eyes of a local lover of food and traveler. Take a minute and scroll through the tastes and textures of ugonnaeatthat.com. I enjoyed it, and I know you will too!

Cheers!

Bootleggers Sports Bar & Karaoke
3444 - 32 Ave NE,
Calgary, AB T1Y 6G8

Having known Rob for more than 20 years, we can say without reservation that he is one of the most honest and hardworking people we know.

Rob’s has a long and proven history in the Food and Beverage Industry and leverages that knowledge every time he works with a client. He has proven this through his work with many of Calgary’s most prominent hospitality groups, including us at Bootleggers.

We would feel very confident in saying that if you are considering a sale or purchase of a restaurant or pub, having a coffee with Rob will help you greatly and give you the edge you need to make your plans a reality.

Bootleggers Sports Bar / Karaoke

Omar Polyniak - Owner Jeremiah Jurcic - President

Well my trip to Edmonton was very positive for a number of different reasons, but one of which is VERY interesting.

I stopped into West Edmonton Mall after a meeting to grab a bite. As I walked down Bourbon Street, feeling like I was back in Vegas, I decided to park myself at a table in Hudson's. Now this is not my first time at Hudson's, but it was at this location, and it's beautiful! Lot's of TV's, a warm inviting atmosphere and very friendly service proved that I made the right choice. I looked through the menu, which was varied and complete without needing an guided tour and a nap before deciding on what to have. I ordered a LOADED Burger (don't tell Dave my trainer) and some Cheese-sticks to start.

When the burger arrived.... I almost fell out of my chair, it was LOADED for sure! As I giggled to myself, I grabbed my cell phone and called Chris Decock to harass him about the size of my burger. So in between bites of this epic chunk of cow, I find out that he and partner Mike Yasinski have bought the old Gerry's Diner site at 5th Street and 12th Ave SW, and are going to gut it and reopen it as a Hudson's. This will be an interesting addition to the beltline pub scene, as Mike and Chris and their Gateway Entertainment are proven operators in the Edmonton club and pub game.

They currently own a number of Hudson's locations as well as Union Hall (the former Goose Loonies/Thunderdome) and The Ranch (formerly the legendary Barry T's / The Standard), both of which I know well. Back in the late 80's I was the DJ/Entertainment Director at Barry T's and had some great times there during the Oilers heyday! I guest DJ'd at "The Goose" on more than one occasion with my good friend Terry Horudko. These locations carry with them alot of history in the Edmonton social scene and Gateway Entertainment is carrying on this tradition proudly and with tremendous success!

I am very interested to see the final product when it opens later this year and wish Chris and Mike all the best with their newest location and their first project in our great city!

Cheers guys!

Well.. needless to say it was another rockin evening in Calgary's Pumphill district, as the 11th Annual Red Meat Party surged into the night. Countless friends, colleagues and client's of Kahane Law enjoyed the Studio 54 themed festivities with bell bottom jeans, Afro's of every color and description and the best collection of platform shoes I have seen since watching re-runs of Starsky and Hutch.

The food was once again indescribable, as every type of red meat you can think of was BBQ'd, smoked and otherwise cooked to the guests delight. Smoked prime rib, lamb chops, Montreal smoked meat and Jeff's dad's famous BBQ'd ribs were just a few of the items at the buffet table. The slush machines were workin overtime to keep up with the margarita's, and the ice sculpture with the tube running through it to chill the shooters was VERY cool. The DJ this year was a great addition, and Malla, the dance floor was hot, it must have taken for ever to finish.

Thanks to Jeff and Malla for a great evening, I can't imagine that they are even close to being done with the cleanup yet!

You can view the pictures on the Red Meat Party's Facebook page.

Can't wait to see what the theme will be for next year!

Cheers!

P.S. How about that chest hair, man I paid the price for that one!