SPVAQ42021 - 11

SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL
MISTLETOE
SPICE
ABC is pleased to introduce this new column.
Each quarter we'll feature a new custom cocktail
created especially for Virginia ABC. Scan the QR
code below to watch a video on how to prepare
this quarter's Signature Cocktail.
Allen Johnson, Store Manager - Store 283, Chatham
llen Johnson started with Virginia ABC
in November 2010. He had moved back
home to Southside Virginia from Northern
Virginia and was looking for a job. His best
friend's mother was a Virginia ABC employee
and connected him with the manager of a
store in Danville. Johnson moved around to
a few different ABC stores as needed, moving
up to full time and then to store manager.
" I was happy that she gave me a chance, "
Johnson says, " and I've been with Virginia
ABC ever since trying to improve myself. "
What are your responsibilities within the
store?
Establish and keep a good relationship with
the customers. Maintain adequate stock, have
a good selection of spirits in the store. And
to me, the most important part is learning
all these changes that are taking place in
the Virginia ABC and trying to teach the rest
of the employees about the procedures and
changes. It reinforces that I know what I am
saying and doing, and they won't be lost if I
am not available. The store shouldn't miss
a step if I'm not there.
What do you enjoy about working at a
Virginia ABC store?
I love the working relationships with my
coworkers. I also like interacting with the
customers, hearing their wants and trying to
get those products in the store. I like learning
the changes that are being implemented in
Virginia ABC and seeing how it will affect the
A
day-to-day business. Every day is something
new to see and learn from.
In what ways do you interact with customers
on the job?
Fortunately, our office is at the front of the
store, so I just make it a habit to say hi to
anyone that comes through the door.
Customers do not hesitate to ask questions
about certain spirits and products, and if
they ask for something that we don't have, I
take this as an opportunity to hopefully find
the item nearby.
What makes a quality Virginia ABC store?
It starts off with a good staff that is friendly
with customers and listens to what they want
and need. Then we need to try our best to get
what they want in the store. Then we get the
products that they want and what they might
want in the future.
Tell us how you apply one of the Virginia
ABC's core values: accountability, service,
integrity, or performance excellence.
I want to always hold myself accountable.
My reasoning being, I want to do my very
best, and the best and quickest way to do
that is to continually work on myself. And
the people around me can see that I am not
above anyone, and I can make mistakes. In
the end, I have to show improvement and
continually work on myself. Otherwise, it's
just lip service and I would be doing myself
a disservice. -Annie Tobey
▷ 2 OZ. MONKEY SHOULDER SCOTCH
▷ 2 OZ. FRESHLY SQUEEZED ORANGE
JUICE
▷ ½ OZ. CRANBERRY OR POMEGRANATE
REDUCTION (REDUCE UNSWEETENED
JUICE BY ½)
▷ ¼ OZ. ST. ELIZABETH ALLSPICE DRAM
▷ ¼ OZ. SIMPLE SYRUP
(1:1 WATER:SUGAR)
Add all ingredients to a shaker tin, then
add ice. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds
and strain into an Old Fashioned glass
with an ice sphere or large cube. Garnish
with rosemary, dehydrated
orange and fresh cranberries or
pomegranate seeds.
Discover cocktail recipes
for any occasion
www.abc.virginia.gov
SPIRITED VIRGINIA | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 11
http://www.abc.virginia.gov
SPVAQ42021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SPVAQ42021
