From the Editor

Our summertime cover story interview is with Paul Fiala. Paul is the Vice President, Food & Beverage Americas, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Paul answers questions about managing one of the most progressive in-house hotel restaurant and bar operations in the country.

We feature two articles on Maker’s Mark Whisky. The “Private Select Program” is written by our publisher, Don Billings, and it describes how customers can create their very own barrel of Maker’s Mark. In the second article, “Making the Rounds with Helen Benefield Billings,” she writes about Maker’s Mark Ambassador Don picking up his personalized barrel that he bought, complete with his name on the labels, and in which each bottle had been hand-dipped by him, in the traditional red wax. I’m hoping to get one for Christmas this year!

Every year in the summer issue we recap the VIBE Conference. VIBE is the conference for national accounts to attend. This year was no different with an agenda full of educational and fun events.

We are also featuring a recap of the Hospitality Executive Exchange (HEE) West. Jen Robinson has made this into a fantastic event for suppliers and operators.

Inside this issue as well, there are other interviews and plenty of articles for your reading enjoyment.

Our fall issue will celebrate IMI’s 30th anniversary and in the Mix’s 15th anniversary. It’s been a long time that IMI has been Building Better Beverage Business! I hope you have a great summer season and thanks for being part of the in the Mix family.

Mike Raven
Managing Editor, in the Mix Media

Our cover shot was taken by Monique Dykstra, Studio Iris Photography, at the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal.