Tequila Keeps Guests Coming Back
Friday, 13 November 2009 00:00
“We carry about 110 different brands of tequila here and we are actually getting in another brand today. It’s called Scorpion Mezcal Tequila and I have yet to try it,” said Ordonez.
“It’s common for people to be having a drink around 4 or 4:30 in the afternoon, enjoying the weather, but when 5 o’clock rolls around, you can tell the salud is getting close and everyone is getting ready,” said Ordonez. “I have been bartending here a year and a half now, so I know the routine pretty good now.”
“We first started doing the salud shot about five years ago and it brings people back,” said Carlos Ruiz, the restaurant supervisor and one of three staff members who perform the daily toast. “The main reason we keep doing it is because it draws people here and to the bar,” said Ordonez.
“We start the Pancho Villa story at 5:30 p.m., but people get here earlier to have a drink and to make sure they get seats on our patio,” said Ruiz.
“We tell the basic Pancho Villa story because it's fun and entertaining. If you aren’t from Tucson or the Southwest you probably would not have a clue on who he was,” said Ruiz. "It gives the out-of-towners a sample of our history.”
“Pancho was well known for his crazy colleagues, stealing from the rich and the battles he had with tequila,” said Ruiz. “He would challenge everyone and anyone he could to drinking contests.”
On weekdays, the Marriott does not have as many guests or as big of crowds as weekends, so they often use their better tequila, explained Ordonez. “On Friday and Saturdays we go through between 180-200 shots of tequila, complementary on the hotel,” said Ruiz.
The salud shot is for guests and open to the public.
“This is our third time staying at the JW and we love coming down around 5 o’clock, drinking a glass of wine and taking a shot of tequila,” said Dave Neiers. “I’m retired so my wife loves Tucson and I love golf. The JW is just a great fit for where we like to stay. It’s very laid back.”
The tequila selection ranges from about $4 for Jose Cuervo, to $26 for Penca Azul Anejo, explained Ordonez.
The Salud Lounge not only has a great atmosphere to enjoy a Tucson sunset or the city lights while having a drink, but hearing the Pancho Villa story is, in itself, very special to guests.
“We never heard of the Pancho Villa story until our first time here two years ago,” said Neiers.
Written by Grant Becker You are reading Tequila Keeps Guests Coming Back articles
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