A few words about The Usual

There was quite a mixed reaction to my posting on The Usual. Mostly there seemed to be outrage over the prices and cries of “this isn’t New York City”. While these are not prices we are used to, neither is the visionary environment or the excellent quality of the product. It’s worth a little extra to keep places like The Usual thriving. I mentioned the prices so no one would be caught off guard.

Brad Hensarling, the owner of The Usual has also crafted a response comment that I thought deserved to be highlighted.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback and for taking the time to check out The Usual. In response to those that might not totally understand what it is exactly that I’m trying to do I want to say a few things to clear the air. First, as we are establishing this business all feedback and criticism will be taken very seriously into consideration. On a personal level I appreciate what people have to say and understand that I have developed a format for a bar that most people around town are not used to. It has always been my intention to get the business off the ground and then begin to tailor it to the needs and desires of the patrons. Please know that it is an impossible task to know how people are going to interact with and feel about a business until it’s open. Now that we are beginning to receive feedback we can start making adjustments to be able to accommodate as many peoples’ preferences as possible.

As far as the pricing is concerned, I want to say that If you come in and drink strictly from the cocktail menu all night then it probably will be an expensive evening for you. That being said I do want to note that the drinks on the menu are ragingly potent with some items containing two, three, and four times as much alcohol than your average mixed drink. From what I’ve seen by serving patrons personally, the average customer is “well on their way” by the second or third cocktail. Also, these cocktails are made with fresh squeezed and organic juices, herbs, and spices which add both to the quality and price. If you’re not comfortable with the pricing of the menu then please feel free to enjoy whatever it is that you normally drink. At happy hour we take $2 off the price of cocktails and $1 off all beer, wine, and mixed drinks. That means that a Bud Light drinker can come in and enjoy a cold one in a nice environment for $2.50. If you enjoy a vodka tonic you’ll only be paying $3.50. That’s not bad is it? Keep in mind that we don’t use any rotgut liquor. Our wells are Monopolowa, Jim Beam, New Amsterdam, Cruzan, and Sauza Silver.

To those that are concerned that the flavor of the drinks is not going to be up to par I want it to be known that every drink comes with a guarantee. If you don’t like it, I’ll drink it and find you something you do like at no additional cost to.

Thanks again to everyone for the feedback whether it be positive or negative. All comments are viewed as constructive criticism and will be used to help us work out the kinks over the next couple of months.

Thanks for the comment Brad.  Also a big thanks for shaking your cocktail shaker and busting out fine drinks for the fine folks of The Fort.  Looking forward to my next Sidecar.