FERNDALE, Mich.– TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants (TSFR), franchisee and operator of Applebee’s in Michigan, announces its entrance into the craft cocktail market with its recently-formed partnership with Ferndale-based Valentine Distilling Co. Two craft cocktails featuring Valentine vodka products are now available in its 65 Applebee’s locations in Michigan.
A classic Moscow mule featuring Valentine Vodka can now be found on participating Applebee’s menus. And for a twist on the classic mule, a Motown Mule featuring Valentine White Blossom Vodka is also available. Both are served in Valentine-branded, copper mugs.
“To kick off the New Year, we are extremely excited to share two of our favorite cocktails with innovative restauranteurs at TEAM Schostak,” said founder Rifino Valentine of Valentine Distilling Co.
As a family-owned company, TSFR purchased the Michigan Applebee’s due to its alignment with their company values of creating a neighborhood dining experience with high-quality food at an affordable price.
“We understand the dining experience often begins with a cocktail. Having the opportunity to partner with a local, craft brand that’s already won international acclaim was an easy decision to make. This allows us to offer something unique and different from other national dining establishments.” said TSFR Executive Chairman Mark Schostak. “Throughout our more than five years owning and operating Applebee’s, we have remained committed to bringing a local perspective of the market to our Applebee’s locations.”
Recognized as one of The Detroit Free Press’ 2018 Michigan Top Workplace, TSFR is proud to be the local owner and operator of Applebee’s and looks forward to continuing to lead the way both in the restaurant industry and the communities it serves for years to come.
About TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants
Livonia-based TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants takes pride in creating jobs for today that lead to careers for tomorrow. TSFR is one of Michigan’s largest multi-brand, family-owned restaurant groups with an expansive portfolio of casual dining, quick service and family dining restaurants throughout the state of Michigan including Applebee’s, Olga’s Kitchen, MOD Pizza and Del Taco.
About Valentine Distilling Co.
Established in 2007, Valentine Distilling Co. is an American pioneer of small batch spirits. Valentine Vodka has been named “World’s Best” by The World Vodka Awards in London back-to-back in 2016 and 2017. Also, in 2017, Valentine Distilling Co.’s 10-year Mayor Pingree Blue and Black label bourbons received the most prestigious medal awarded, the Double Gold, at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In the tradition of Detroit’s manufacturing leadership, Valentine Distilling Co. is dedicated to American ingenuity, quality manufacturing and small batch distilling using old-world techniques that create superior products. The company’s award-winning vodka, gin and bourbon are available in nine states, Ontario and Quebec.