Jewel Box bar in Portland faces uncertain future
May 28—Jewel Box owner Nathaniel Meiklejohn is entertaining offers from investors or buyers for his idiosyncratic, James Beard-nominated bar on Congress Street, he announced in an Instagram post. Meiklejohn had been considering closing the bar altogether, he wrote.
"Since the pandemic, I have taken on a lot of debt in order to keep functioning as a business. Portland itself & the world at large is changing, the saturation of bars/restaurants in this town, the cost of living, the increase in prices of goods & the overwhelming wealth discrepancy that exists in this town/country/world are all factors contributing to this reality. We are at a point where our sales cannot pay our overhead in addition to the loans we have," the post says.
"This is likely the last year of this iteration of the Jewel Box with myself as the owner. I am unsure what the future may bring, but I invite all possibilities," it concluded.
Jewel Box, originally called Bearded Lady's Jewel Box, opened in 2014 at 644 Congress St. in the Arts District. One of Portland's early cocktail bars, it was aimed at being especially welcoming to marginalized people. The bar has made repeat appearances on the Portland Press Herald's annual Best 75 list, including this year, when then-restaurant critic Andrew Ross described it as "a dimly lit speakeasy with no sign to indicate you've found it, while the interior is what you might get if Jules Verne listened to trip-hop and drank one-too-many Back Bay Boulevardiers (bourbon, Speckled Ax coffee, Cynar, Campari)."
Meiklejohn could not be immediately reached for comment.
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5 days ago
- Yahoo
Jewel Box bar in Portland faces uncertain future
May 28—Jewel Box owner Nathaniel Meiklejohn is entertaining offers from investors or buyers for his idiosyncratic, James Beard-nominated bar on Congress Street, he announced in an Instagram post. Meiklejohn had been considering closing the bar altogether, he wrote. "Since the pandemic, I have taken on a lot of debt in order to keep functioning as a business. Portland itself & the world at large is changing, the saturation of bars/restaurants in this town, the cost of living, the increase in prices of goods & the overwhelming wealth discrepancy that exists in this town/country/world are all factors contributing to this reality. We are at a point where our sales cannot pay our overhead in addition to the loans we have," the post says. "This is likely the last year of this iteration of the Jewel Box with myself as the owner. I am unsure what the future may bring, but I invite all possibilities," it concluded. Jewel Box, originally called Bearded Lady's Jewel Box, opened in 2014 at 644 Congress St. in the Arts District. One of Portland's early cocktail bars, it was aimed at being especially welcoming to marginalized people. The bar has made repeat appearances on the Portland Press Herald's annual Best 75 list, including this year, when then-restaurant critic Andrew Ross described it as "a dimly lit speakeasy with no sign to indicate you've found it, while the interior is what you might get if Jules Verne listened to trip-hop and drank one-too-many Back Bay Boulevardiers (bourbon, Speckled Ax coffee, Cynar, Campari)." Meiklejohn could not be immediately reached for comment. Copy the Story Link
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Campari America Enters the Non-Alc Category Introducing Crodino: The Perfect Non-Alcoholic Spritz, Now Available in the U.S.
Spritz Freely This Summer with Italy's Beloved Non-Alcoholic Cocktail NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Campari America, the pioneer behind the Spritz movement in the U.S., is proud to announce the U.S. market debut of Crodino®, an iconic non-alcoholic beverage and ritual beloved in Italy since 1965. Just in time for summer, Crodino brings an unmistakably bittersweet, bubbly flavor to select U.S. markets – a sophisticated and flavorful option for those looking to partake in the Spritz ritual, without the alcohol. Crafted in Italy over a six-month infusion and blending process, Crodino delivers a bright and complex flavor profile featuring warm aromatics of clove, cardamom, nutmeg, and coriander seeds, along with more than 10 other herbs and spices, with its full recipe remaining a closely kept secret. The result is a full-bodied, non-alcoholic ready-to-serve Spritz with a spicy herbal and refreshing citrus finish. "What's been particularly exciting is how both consumers and our on-premise partners have embraced iconic Italian brands creating vibrant social experiences centered around the Spritz," said Allison Varone, Campari America's Head of Marketing. "With the launch of Crodino, we're expanding the joy of Spritz to even more consumers who seek a sophisticated and flavorful non-alcoholic option." Crodino joins Campari America's House of Aperitifs, the home of iconic brands like Aperol®, Campari®, and Cynar®—further solidifying Campari's position at the forefront of the Spritz category. As the non-alcoholic beverage space continues to boom, with the category projected to reach $5 billion by 2028 (18% CAGR¹), Crodino answers the growing demand for premium non-alcoholic cocktails that don't compromise on taste or ritual. Already a staple in Italian Aperitivo culture, Crodino's roots trace back to the golden era of Italian herbalists in the 1960s. Created during a time when many were searching for low- and no-alcohol alternatives, Crodino became a standout for its intricate flavor and social appeal. Today, as low- and no-alcohol drinking trends continue to gain popularity among younger generations, Crodino offers a flavorful and approachable alternative that fits into the modern lifestyle. With its convenient 175ml (5.95 fl oz) glass bottles (SRP: $14.99 per 4-pack), Crodino is perfect for spontaneous social moments and gatherings with friends. The ready-to-serve format is easy to enjoy: open, pour into a wine glass filled with ice and garnish with a fresh orange slice for the perfect non-alcoholic spritz. The Crodino ritual is simple, refreshing, and distinctly Italian. Crodino will be available this summer in locales across California, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Illinois, Washington D.C., and Maryland, with additional markets to follow. The arrival of Crodino brings Campari America's celebrated Aperitivo tradition full circle, making space for everyone – regardless of their alcohol preferences. To learn more about Crodino and how to #SpritzFreely, visit or follow @CrodinoOfficial on Instagram. About CrodinoCrodino is a non-alcoholic Spritz that brings the Italian spirit of aperitivo combined with an upbeat personality and a distinctively rich and bittersweet taste to enrich the non-alcoholic drinking experience. Crodino was first created in 1965 in Northern Italy, using a unique recipe of high-quality herbs, spices, woods and roots. The rich bouquet of ingredients is expertly blended and infused for up to six months to release their full aromatic potential and achieve the surprisingly rich flavor profile of Crodino. Crodino is multi-layered in taste with a unique bittersweetness captured in sparkling bubbles. With an authentic Italian heritage, Crodino Non-Alcoholic Spritz embraces the art of the Aperitivo moment, connecting to Crodino's warm and witty spirit that embraces an easy-going and inclusive atmosphere. Crodino is easily served in a long-stem wine glass filled with ice and finished with a slice of fresh orange. For the perfect "Rituale Italiano," Crodino can be paired with high-quality small bites: tasty tapas and savory specialities. About Campari AmericaCampari America LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano N.V. Campari America has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. 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The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. It has a global distribution reach, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Campari Group operates via 25 production sites worldwide and its own distribution network in 27 countries. Campari Group employs approximately 5,000 people. The shares of the parent company Davide Campari-Milano N.V. (Reuters - Bloomberg CPR IM) have been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: - Please enjoy our brands responsibly. ¹ Source: The IWSR, 2024 Media Contact:Alex SacripanteAperol@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Campari America Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Campari posts revenues below analysts expectations, down 4%
MILAN (Reuters) -Italian spirits group Campari posted on Thursday a 4% organic decline in net sales in the first quarter, below analysts' expectations. Adjusted operating profit plunged by 17% organically in the same period. "Looking forward, we confirm that our previously provided guidance for 2025 remains our target, while recognising that visibility is low," Campari Chief Executive Simon Hunt said in a statement.
