Jay Sachetti joined Jeff O’Brien, partner at Husch Blackwell and Dyanne Ross-Hanson, president of Exit Planning Strategies talked about the market for mergers and acquisitions, exit planning opportunities for companies that don’t end up for sale and how companies can maximize their eventual sale price during an early October panel at the first Upsize on Tap event at Summit Brewing Co. in St. Paul.
When the state Legislature passed a law requiring employers to provide paid leave and safe time for employees, Justin Bieganek started hearing differing details from friends, colleagues and peers.
whether I’m on assignment at an ultimate fighting match, on lunch break at a fast-food restaurant or on an annual mystery trip with my husband, this year a stress-inducing long weekend because it was my turn to plan. And every story has a takeaway.
At Restaurant Europea in Montreal, first came two pink martinis with giant cotton candy balls on top, which our neighbors struggled to sip (their faces kept hitting the puff balls.) Then came the fromage lollipops and the cone of popcorn with truffle oil.
Next was the lobster cappuccino that we drank like an espresso. Then the cigar box, from which we were asked to select a cigar—made of cheese.
And then, a miniature clothesline with two pieces of dried beef hanging from it, attached by tiny clothespins—and that’s when we got the giggles.
This was entertainment dining at its finest, and I have to give Europea’s famed chef Jerome Ferrer props for putting on a great show. It’s interesting, though, that after several weeks had passed from our weekend trip to Montreal, I was thinking more about the straightforward meal we had at Bonaparte in Old Montreal the evening before.
There wasn’t a gimmick in sight, just delicious food, perfectly prepared. I’d return again and again, not just for a one-time wonder. There must be a lesson for restaurant owners in there somewhere.
Schlepp. Schlepp. Schlepp, go my shoes on the floor of Noodles & Co. in Roseville, which is gross and sticky because of the groovy soda-dispensing machine that so many fast-casual restaurants are installing these days.
But what they haven’t thought through is my pet peeve: When you shift all the work to your customers, your customers are going to take forever and make a mess. And so there I was, at the back of a six-deep line, including the family of four where the tween girl kept punching every item twice and thus automatically starting the process all over again. And everyone was spilling, a lot, when they did finally make the choice.
I was on assignment to cover the ultimate fighting championship event alternately called “ridiculous,” “epic,” “massive” and “sick” by all the super fans who came out of the woodwork when I told them where I was headed.
I thought it would be bloody and violent, and it was—like when the former U of M’s own Brock Lesnar picked up New Zealand’s Mark Hunt like a 280-pound sack of potatoes and plopped on top of him. I thought I’d hate it, too. But when Amanda Nunes punched, punched and CRACKED Miesha Tate in the face, then pried her onto her back in a chokehold for a victory, I was on my feet, roaring with the 19,000 other fans.
If you’re planning a mystery trip for my husband, Jeff Amann, do not tell him ANYTHING about your destination, including weather, continent, flight time within five hours, etc. He is relentless in uncovering the secret—which, come to think of it, would make him a great reporter.
Beth Ewen
Editor and co-founder
