We have been extremely busy right from the opening and still have not slowed down. It’s great! The Gaylord Opryland Hotel is one of the largest Hotel and Convention Centers in America. Outside of Vegas there are few that compare in stature and sheer size. If you ever get a chance to visit Nashville come and stay with us. It really is beautiful!

As part of my assignment, I have the responsibility to buy all the Liquor, Beer and Wine (food too!) for the Hotel and all the attractions including The General Jackson Showboat, the Gaylord Springs Golf Club, and the Grand ol’ Opry amongst others. Needless to say that’s a lot of buying. That brings me to my topic for the day. Purchasing.

Wine purchasing especially in large volume can be difficult and a daunting task. Dropping large orders in scale to overall business levels, can be intimidating. It demands a well thought out and strategic plan. You spent a lot of time developing a wine list that you believe showcases your restaurant and its food. You need to spend time working out your plan for purchasing and stocking that wine cellar. The key points you need to consider are:

1. Budget- Yes it does really come down to the dollars and cents of it all. Putting together a strong list does cost money, especially with today’s overinflated wine costs. Be sure to put enough money into the program to sustain periods of slow business. Taylor your expenditures to your programs concept and focus. Knowing that your list is strong in California Cabs but maybe a little weak in lower cost Zinfandels give you maneuvering room to shift some menu slots to the lower cost, high profit % wines.
2. Take Advantage of Vendor Programs- In an economy where every penny counts, push your vendors for accessibility to their volume wine programs. See what programs are available and plan your volume purchases and your features around high profit deals that are offered. The laws on programming wines are different in every state. Get to know what you can ask for. Sometimes there are monies available right from the producers, or free goods. It could be something as small as server incentives to big things like buy 1 get 1.
3. Never assume your vendor will tell you everything that is out there. Your vendor is usually a savvy business veteran too. He’s not going to give up the ship every time you ask. Get to know your brokers too and ask them for program information. You’d be surprised how much is out there for the taking.
4. ASK! You never know what’s out there until you ask!

The bottom line to purchasing is planning. Put your plan together and follow it. It may make you nervous spending dollars now for future sales but in the end it is usually worth it. Just be realistic. If you sell 2 cases a week in wine you are not going to be eligible for the same programs as some of your competitors. Nor will you be able to take advantage of them if you were.

 So, if your ever passing through Tennessee or just looking for a place to spend some quality time for R&R, stop on by and visit us in Nashville and the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. We’d love to show you why we think you’ll fall in love with this town!