A Whole New Way To Do NA
Read Martin’s Full Article Here
Zero Proof Insights of Martin’s Dispatch Article | by Cate
Sharing a Valuable Perspective: Increasing Awareness in the Twin Cities
Thank you, Martin, for your valuable perspective about the NA movement and the new way that NA is being presented to consumers here in the Twin Cities. As a journalist, songwriter, and the ”unofficial mayor” of St. Paul, Minnesota, we recognize your personal passion for this topic and appreciate the diligence you've shown in investigating it comprehensively. Your exposé offers a compelling snapshot of the current NA landscape and despite the inherent challenges of this evolving industry, those who are driven to this work by passion continue to persevere.
The Uphill Battle for NA Options
As Martin rightly cited, the journey of increasing NA options is not a leisurely stroll; it's an "uphill battle with 50-pound ankle weights." While society is slowly warming to the concept of NA beverages, the inertia of age-old habits and perceptions weigh us down. Let's be honest: It's 2023; we should be past the era where the only NA choices are sickly sweet sodas or an antiquated bottle of O'Doul's gathering dust behind the bar.
Commitment to NA Menu Inclusions
First, you can't just "ghost" an NA option once you put it on the menu. It's not a one-night stand; it's a commitment. Once it's there, you've got to ensure your front-line servers are conversant in NA offerings. They should be able to describe that NA craft beer with the same enthusiasm and knowledge as they would a top-shelf bourbon. Ignorance isn't bliss; it's bad business. You can't offer something as an equal opportunity option if your staff treats it like a second-class citizen.
The Role of the Public: Ask for Better NA Options!
The public isn't off the hook either. How many times have you found yourself at a bar where the NA options were uninspiring at best? Did you voice your desire for something more exciting? Probably not. Yet, we'll turn to social media to critique the lack of options. Bars and restaurants are businesses: they're motivated by the bottom line. If there's consumer interest, they'll stock more NA options. So, ask for it, make it a point of conversation, bring it into the forefront instead of letting it languish in the shadows.
Server Education and Customer Experience
At a leading Twin Cities restaurant, Jen and I found ourselves yet again asking about NA options. We were given a cocktail menu featuring four such choices, dwarfed by 28 alcoholic listings, and in smaller print to boot. Upon inquiring about the ingredients in the NA cocktails, our server disinterestedly began with the words "they are just..." and described them as homemade syrups with added carbonation. This experience highlighted the pressing need for elevated options and more server education, ensuring each customer inquiry is addressed with genuine interest and knowledge.
The Call for Collective Action
It's absurd and almost laughable how far we still have to go. If we're genuinely committed to inclusivity and offering something for everyone, it's time to match our actions with our lofty ideals. We have to shed those metaphorical ankle weights and take decisive steps forward. It's not just about fostering choice; it's about reshaping societal norms. That's a task that demands the collective action of the industry and the consumer. It's high time we did justice to the NA label—because, honestly, the current state of affairs, particularly at venues where elevated NA options should be served, is sobering.
Dispatch, A Whole New Way to Do NA, Martin Devaney
