Food & Drink 2024 | 9 the weekends and drinks on deals throughout the week, Rascal Modern Diner offers a fun and unique space to enjoy both the old and the new. Creekside American Bistro provides guests with a serene and spiritually charged dining experience, surrounded by the positive energy of the vortexes said to inhabit the area. Overlooking Oak Creek, the bistro offers a seasonally changing, locally sourced menu that celebrates comfort and flavour, capturing the essence of Sedona’s vibrant spirit. Between its succulent meats and freshly picked vegetables, Creekside American Bistro promises an unparalleled meal that is as wholesome as it is flavoursome. Mesa Grill is a Southwestern Grill that offers all-American meals overlooking the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout. Pairing comfort with innovation, the grill serves a delicious range of burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and seafood. But Mesa Grill’s allure extends beyond its expansive menu; its advantageous positioning offers guests the unique opportunity to watch planes gliding through the sky as they enjoy their meal. Maintaining its collection of such esteemed establishments means that Mercer’s Kitchen must remain up to date with industry changes and remain on the very forefront of innovation at all times. In such a rapidly evolving industry, chefs must remain ahead of their peers, continually innovating and improving both their skillsets and flavour profiles to offer their guests the very best. Mercer understands this need and strives to develop his knowledge and skills at every opportunity. “In addition to reading all I can, and collecting as much as I can from periodicals, my wife at I eat out with friends at the most relevant restaurants and resorts in the United States and around the world,” he tells us. “The majority of my inspirations come from yearly trips to Chicago, New York, New Orleans, and San Fransisco. When creating our seasonal menus, I always have pictures and the most unique menu items to look back on from the past year. My catering company strives to exceed expectations.” Whilst Mercer finds his inspiration in his experiences across the country, he also plays close attention to emerging trends and philosophies that may impact the industry as they take root in the public’s behaviour. He tells us that consumers are increasingly seeking brands that celebrate their individuality and imperfection, allowing them to express themselves through a vital component of their daily lives: food. Instead of adhering to strict diets and conventional standards, consumers want products that empower them to enjoy food in a more liberated and personalised way. This creates a more inclusive and flexible approach to dining, enabling consumers to indulge and enjoy their experience without feeling guilty or constrained. This is perfectly reflected in the niche and unique experiential concepts delivered by Mercer’s Kitchen. Whilst there are many pain points to be addressed across the industry, Mercer tells us that the biggest hurdle Mercer’s Kitchen faces is navigating the economy. “Here in Sedona, Arizona, the most critical obstacle in the food and beverage industry is the limited labour pool and affordable housing,” he says. “The ‘short term rental industry’ has all but eliminated affordable housing in Sedona. In an effort to adapt to the lack in accommodation, we are forced to rent or purchase housing for our employees. This practice is becoming the norm and is putting many smaller operations out of business.” In order to retain a talented workforce, employers are not only providing housing but also wages that are far above the national average. This has created a ripple effect that is passed down to consumers in the form of higher menu prices and various miscellaneous service fees added to their bill. As a result, top-tier companies such as Mercer’s Kitchen are working even harder to ensure that the quality of its services and meals are reflective of the rising prices. This high standard of quality must also be reflected in the team, comprised of hardworking and passionate individuals dedicated to delivering the very best dining experience possible. Mercer cites training as the key to his success, doing everything in his power to provide his associates with the necessary tools to set them up for success. This approach is taken from the very beginning, as he believes that new hires are much more confident when they have developed a solid understanding of their position within the company. When hiring new team members, Mercer tells us that Mercer’s Kitchen first looks for impeccable hygiene and a big smile, as a first impression goes an incredibly long way in the hospitality industry. From there, the company considers their experience and ability to hold a conversation, skills that will determine what positions are available for the candidate. This is done with the understanding that successful communication between associates is just as imperative as with the guests. “Mercer’s Kitchen strives to create a family culture,” says Mercer. “We spend the majority of our time together, and things go much better if we all get along. We promote cross-training for those that like to work in different positions when the opportunity arises. We take care of each other; we cover for each other and discourage negativity in the workplace. This is truly a team effort and ‘you are only as strong as your weakest link’. If my employees love the job, the guests feel that energy and respond in a positive way.” By maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, client-centricity, and quality, Mercer’s Kitchen has established a stellar reputation across Sedona, evident in its many five-star reviews. Each of the company’s concepts are innovative, unique, and well-equipped to provide guests with the very best service, earning Mercer’s Kitchen the title of Restaurant and Catering Group of the Year 2024 – Arizona, as well as the Customer Service Excellence Award 2024. “I love this restaurant!” writes a guest of Rascal Modern Diner. “High end food in a casual setting. I had multiple breakfasts and dinners, and all were delicious. The Broken Yolk Sandwich might be the best breakfast I have ever had! Dinner was equally amazing – everything from the Ahi Tuna Nachos to the Barbacoa entrée. The servers and bar staff were so welcoming and friendly.” “Each dish was better than the last,” says a guest of René at Tlaquepaque. “Amazing combinations of flavours and textures, a great wine list, and precise service. René is located in the Tlaquepaque and should not be missed if visiting or living in Sedona. I highly recommend.” “What an awesome spot to have dinner!” says a guest of Mesa Grill. “The drive up is breathtaking, and sunset not to be missed. The food and service went beyond what I expected, and I would definitely go there again.” “Easy walking distance from our hotel,” reports a guest of Creekside American Bistro. “A fabulous menu for both breakfast and lunch with great selections, including gluten-free options. I sat on the balcony watching Sedona’s nature and red rocks in the gorgeous spring weather.” Contact: Mercer Mohr Web Address: https://mercerskitchen.com/ Restaurant Group Mercer’s Kitchen.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjM3