Bo Elledge

🎰 Nevada eases high-limit salon rules to boost tourism The Nevada Gaming Commission has approved updates to salon regulations, lowering credit/deposit thresholds to $20,000 and allowing poker as a permitted salon game. Changes also extend guest play from six to 24 hours, giving operators more flexibility. 📊 Wynn, MGM, and Hard Rock International, alongside the Nevada Resort Association, lobbied for the revisions amid ongoing tourism challenges and high-profile AML fines this year. Virginia Valentine, NRA CEO, said the updates “reflect a balance of needs for the industry and for regulators.” ♻️ Regulators stressed that while salons offer closer scrutiny of high-limit play, AML risks remain a concern, with commissioners like Jennifer Tagliotti and George Markantonis cautioning on potential financial abuses. 💬 Wynn Las Vegas casino chief Charlie Stone highlighted the benefits, noting: “The games in salons have the same rules and payouts as other areas, but with better surveillance coverage and oversight of high-limit players.” 📱 Find the full story by Jess Marquez on our website

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Sip, Sit, Stay: Unlocking the Power of THC Beverages & Cannabis Consumption Lounges in Las Vegas Equitable Industries | Cannabis Industry Strategist The Las Vegas cannabis industry stands at a critical juncture. With consumption lounges on the brink of operational rollout and THC beverages emerging as one of the fastest-growing product categories in the cannabis market, the opportunity to integrate these two sectors represents a powerful — and untapped — economic engine. Here we, outline a strategic vision for how THC-infused beverages and consumption lounges which can be developed in tandem to: Increase revenue per visitor Normalize public cannabis consumption Drive cannabis tourism Expand the regulated market Create high-margin, low-waste product models Position Las Vegas as a global leader in cannabis hospitality Market Opportunity THC Beverages: A Rapidly Growing Category. U.S. sales of THC beverages are projected to surpass $2 billion annually by 2028. Appeal to casual consumers and cannabis newcomers seeking smoke-free, dose-controlled experiences Allow for social consumption parallels with alcohol, making them ideal for bars, clubs, lounges, and events Las Vegas: The Hospitality Capital Over 40 million tourists visit annually, seeking nightlife, culinary experiences, and immersive entertainment No other city in the U.S. offers the perfect intersection of tourism, entertainment, and cannabis access like Las Vegas Strategic Partnership Framework: Why Lounges Need THC Beverages Non-smoking option for indoor venues Efficient inventory and cost control (pre-packaged or draft format) Aligns with existing nightlife models (e.g. bottle service, drink menus) Encourages longer visits, higher per capita spend Attracts sober-curious and wellness-focused consumers Why THC Beverage Brands Need Lounges Lounges create experiential branding opportunities Beverages can be sampled, paired with food, or served in flights Enable education on dosage and effect Direct consumer engagement fuels brand loyalty and feedback loops Data collection on real-time preferences and consumption habits Competitive Positioning The global tourism magnetism of Las Vegas A regulated adult-use market with 24/7 entertainment infrastructure The event-driven, high-spend culture of the Las Vegas Strip By pairing THC beverages with world-class cannabis lounges, Las Vegas can become the Amsterdam of the West — with higher margins and better branding. A New Standard for Cannabis Hospitality Embracing a strategic partnership between THC beverages and consumption lounges, Las Vegas can unlock: A billion-dollar market segment Safer, more social cannabis experiences A new reason for tourists to visit and return A sustainable, scalable, and culturally transformative model for modern cannabis consumption It’s time to stop thinking in silos. It’s time to build the future — one sip, one session, one city at a time.

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The news is out – the Michelin Guide will now consider restaurants across the entire state of Colorado!   In this episode, local Chef Brother Luck and food journalist Matthew Schniper discuss the evolution of the food scene in the Pikes Peak Region and what this exciting development means for local restaurant owners and chefs. Listen now at VisitCOS.com/podcast!

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I read with interest today's issue of Shanken News Daily (a really good source of wine and spirits information) that The Wine Group is "revamping Meomi" after they acquired it last year from Constellation. They are going to be introducing Appellation tier wines (Monterey and Sonoma County Meomis - is that the plural?). And for the "regular Meomi" this paragraph interested me: “The next chapter for Meiomi is grounded in expanded access to high-quality vineyards throughout Monterey, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara counties and thoughtful viticultural and winemaking precision,” said Weisgerber, adding that there will be reduced reliance on residual sugar in the brand's winemaking." It all brought up memories of when I posted a short video comparing Meomi to our own Dial Tone Pinot Noir and it went viral and Constellation's lawyers reached out. Any thoughts on what these changes mean for Meomi? For the changing market for introductory Pinot Noir? And for The Wine Group? https://lnkd.in/geEnqzqH

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🚨 Partnership Announcement 🚨 We’re excited to share that FriendlySky has partnered with Delirious Comedy Club and House of Magic to power next-generation ticketing at two Las Vegas venues: Hennessey’s Tavern in Downtown and the new showroom at Silver Sevens Casino. 🎟️ What this partnership delivers: - Interactive, exact seating maps - Fast, mobile-first checkout with Apple Pay & Google Pay - Text-delivered mobile tickets - Real-time distribution across Vegas.com, Spotlight.Vegas, and 200+ affiliate sites This collaboration brings smarter, seamless ticketing to some of the most entertaining live shows in the city—while expanding their reach and improving fan experience from purchase to entry. 📖 Read the full story: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gywmEDBi

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The winners in this post-covid, consumer driven market are the ones that are bringing the technology (SGWS's Proof eCommerce platform, SET AI technology), and execution to the market. I predict the biggest winners will be the data driven distributors, and those that adapt to the changes instead of stay stagnant. The best analogy to this is the Uber and LYFT models giving consumer what they need, over the previous Taxi model. "Suppliers will continue to get more aggressive in refining their route to market and adjusting their portfolios through M&A. Distributors are being scrutinized. Some are stepping up to become better partners. Others are falling behind. This is a pivotal moment. Expect bold, strategic moves to be rewarded. Expect stagnation to be punished. More major moves are coming. The next generation of winners will be the ones that adapt fastest and execute with clarity."

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Exciting Partnership Announcement 🚀 Flying V Group is thrilled to partner with Sunshine Coffee LLC, a California-based brand dedicated to delivering high-quality, flavorful coffee experiences. We’re helping Sunshine Coffee elevate their brand with: - Comprehensive website design - Top-tier graphic design services In today’s competitive coffee market, a modern, visually appealing, and user-friendly website is essential. Our team is developing a fully optimized site that reflects Sunshine Coffee’s unique identity while ensuring smooth navigation, mobile responsiveness, and an intuitive shopping experience. Beyond the website, we’re revamping their brand visuals, from marketing materials to cohesive storytelling, ensuring every design element aligns with Sunshine Coffee’s values and aesthetic. Our strategic approach will strengthen their market positioning, boost online sales, and create lasting connections with customers. We’re excited to help Sunshine Coffee build a modern, professional digital presence that not only strengthens their brand identity but also delivers an exceptional online experience for coffee lovers. #DigitalMarketing #WebDesign #GraphicDesign #BrandStrategy #CoffeeBrand #FlyingVGroup #ClientSpotlight

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What does it actually take to scale a restaurant brand? In our newest Tipped Off Podcast episode, Kirk Grogan talks with Andi Ott, co-owner of four Dog Haus locations in Arizona. They talk about what changes when operators grow beyond their first location, how to build systems that scale, how to create a culture that drives high-performing teams, where technology helps restaurants operate more efficiently, and one unforgettable hospitality horror story from Andi’s early days in the industry. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/dPWSKxFQ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dkctjxJs Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/dCTQu8n4 #TippedOffPodcast #RestaurantLeadership #MultiUnitOperations #HospitalityInsights #DogHaus #RestaurantGrowth

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Spent a few days in Denver working the market for Bimble Beverages alongside the team at Colorado Craft Distributors. Colorado has been part of the cannabis movement for years, but traditionally through dispensaries. Liquor stores can only sell low-dose THC beverages, and honestly I expected those brands to struggle given the deeply established dispensary channel. After spending time in the market, I realized that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. Low-dose THC beverages are still very early in their lifecycle, but the curiosity from both retailers and consumers is real. I believe that curiosity will steadily convert into meaningful sales volume over the coming months and years. Many brands may have written off established cannabis markets, assuming the cost of acquiring existing cannabis consumers would be too high or that low-dose products wouldn’t resonate. But what I’m seeing suggests the opposite. Low-dose THC beverages are bringing entirely new consumers into the cannabis space — people who might never set foot in a dispensary. Placing these products in familiar, regulated retail environments where adult beverages are already sold creates an accessible entry point for trial and discovery. Coming from 20 years in alc/bev, it’s an interesting contrast. In categories like whiskey, new consumer acquisition is incredibly difficult. It’s much easier to get an existing whiskey drinker to switch brands than it is to convert a non-whiskey drinker into the category in the first place. (And whiskey drinkers these days are pretty promiscuous with their brand choices.) Two months into this new industry, I’m seeing a lot of parallels with alc/bev — but also some fascinating differences. I’m learning a ton every day and having a blast doing it. For those of you who made the jump from alc/bev into cannabis — what advice would you give to those of us crossing over? #THCBev #CannabisBeverages #HempBeverages #CPG #AlcoholIndustry #BeverageIndustry #CannabisIndustry #RetailStrategy #BrandBuilding #ConsumerTrends #Innovation #BeverageAlcohol #EmergingCategories #MarketDevelopment

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If your promotions are getting traction but profit isn’t moving, you’re not alone—and you’re not crazy. I recorded a quick, on-the-go reset on 7 casino marketing myths that quietly inflate reinvestment and keep teams busy but not in control. Take it with you and walk away with a cleaner way to think about offers, calendar discipline, and what to measure beyond redemption. #CasinoMarketing #podcast #CasinoOps #DirectMarketing #CRM

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📊 Restaurant Industry Insights You Need to Know In the latest Deals Revealed from We Sell Restaurants, key trends are shaping the restaurant landscape: ➡️ California’s $20 minimum wage is triggering major shifts, over 22,000 restaurant jobs lost, increased automation, and a sharp rise in commercial foreclosures. Operators are pulling back on expansion and rethinking long-term viability. ➡️ Chipotle’s investment in MeatMe, a plant-based startup, signals growing demand for customizable, health-conscious dining, especially among younger consumers. ➡️ FAT Brands is restructuring, focusing on high-growth brands like Twin Peaks while exploring the sale of legacy concepts. ➡️ Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers surpassed $1B in sales, with growth triple the industry average, thanks to smart investments in innovation and efficiency. Buyers and sellers are adjusting to these changes, and strategic decisions now will define future success. Let’s connect if you’re planning your next move. #restaurantindustry #hospitalitytrends #restaurantsales #WeSellRestaurants #restaurantbroker #orlandobusiness #franchisenews #dealsrevealed https://lnkd.in/eaxruQGJ

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It’s a rainy day in Southern California and I guarantee restaurant operators are adjusting their strategy. Less walk-in traffic. Closed patios. More no-shows. That’s the part most people see. But here’s what the best operators are doing behind the scenes ✔ Rebuilding their floor mix to compensate for lost tables ✔ Adjusting pacing and turn controls to match the new capacity ✔ Watching for late reservations and modifying staffing in real time ✔ Creating comfort fast when guests walk in cold, wet, and annoyed Because strategy isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a constant recalibration. A reservation system isn’t just for planning. It’s for adapting especially when the unexpected hits If tonight’s shift feels different, it’s because it is. And the restaurants that will thrive tonight are the ones whose systems are built for moments like this 👊🏼

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