LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2021

LEADERS OF THE PACK

Retail revolutionaries These innovators know what we are looking for before we do.

Only a decade ago, an elegant cocktail-mixing glass, weighted shaker tins or the cocktail bitters, tinctures and syrups pro bartenders use were out of reach for most Canadians. Retail pioneers like online store The Crafty Bartender and Toronto’s Cocktail Emporium boutiques changed all that. Here’s how, in their own words.

Kennedy and Donna Pire Co-founders, TheCraftyBartender.com

“Ten years ago, we were living in Toronto and couldn’t get the bar tools or ingre­ dients we saw in cocktail books. Our local bar was The Harbord Room, and once we started importing items, it caught on by word of mouth. We’d get invited to events where we’d set up a little table and sell stuff to bartenders. Stores started reaching out to carry the products. “In the past few years, we’re fo­ cusing on Canadian brands—there are so many making great bitters, syrups and other ingredients. Our clientele includes industry, home cocktail enthu­ siasts, and now virtual event coordina­ tors and cocktail companies. People who have never owned a shaker are creating elaborate cocktails at home! “For us, e-commerce has always been the way to go. But we love when people phone, because we can ask them, ‘What do you drink?’ or say, ‘You should really try this!’” — Charlene Rooke

Kristen Voisey Founder, Cocktail Emporium (three Toronto locations)

“When we opened our first store in 2011 on Queen Street West, it was the beginning of the Toronto cocktail culture boom. Now our customers are anyone from the beginner home bartender to some of the best pro bartenders in the world—we have everyone’s budget and level. “I love being able to introduce new, exciting products to the Canadian mar- ket, including our own Potion House line.

We are always adding unique glassware designs and fun ingredients. We have also had great success with our cocktail gift sets for both corporate groups and individuals. “We have so many different unique bars here and passionate bartenders. I think Toronto can stand up to New York, London and Paris these days in the cocktail arena.” — Charlene Rooke

COCKTAIL EMPORIUM SHOP IMAGE BY KAILEE MANDEL; LIFESTYLE IMAGE BY KRISTY BOYCE; PORTRAIT OF KENNEDY AND DONNA PIRE BY JESSICA BLAINE SMITH

More people to follow: @forbeswildfoods @scoutcanning @kitchenhub

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AUTUMN 2021 FOOD & DRINK