Is the Sky Really Falling… or Are We Just Drinking Differently?
Another day, another social media debate about why bars and restaurants are closing. Is it the economy? Is it the death of nightlife? Did everyone suddenly start drinking oat milk instead of beer?
Bob Cutler sat down with his longtime friend and industry insider, Justin Frazell, to get to the bottom of it—over, fittingly, a Paper Plane cocktail. They tackled the big questions: Are younger generations really drinking less? Why is craft beer losing steam? And most importantly—if you love a place, how can you make sure it sticks around?
Turns out, the answer isn’t doom and gloom, but a shift in habits. Fewer people are drinking in large groups, and when they do, they’re opting for higher-quality spirits, wines, and cocktails instead of quantity. Maine’s once-booming craft beer industry? It’s feeling the pinch from overexpansion, changing tastes, and a market correction that was bound to happen. And for restaurants, rising costs and shifting demographics mean places that thrive are the ones that create memorable experiences—not just meals.
So, what can you do? If you love a local bar, brewery, restaurant, or wine shop, don’t just enjoy it—talk about it. Leave a great review, recommend it to a friend, and show up when it matters. Word-of-mouth isn’t just old-school advertising—it’s the lifeline of every business you love.
Oh, and about that Paper Plane? It’s projected to be the cocktail of the year—so maybe the sky isn’t falling. Maybe it just needed a little Amaro and a splash of bourbon.
Want to sip like Bob and Justin? Try this at home or, better yet, let us make one for you at Novio’s.
The Paper Plane
¾ oz Bourbon (Bob used Russell’s Reserve 70th Anniversary Edition)
¾ oz Amaro Nonino
¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
¾ oz Sweet Vermouth (Bob used Sara Vezza’s Italian vermouth)
Ice
Instructions:
- Shake all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
- Sip, discuss the state of the world, and remember—great drinks are about great company.