EncoreBlog

We’re always looking to improve the overall playing experience at Encore.  I think our players appreciate that, and those of you who have been playing regularly for the last year or so probably see the gradual changes we’ve brought to the club.  These changes are ramping up for 2012, as there are several ambitious plans to improve the overall experience at the club in many ways.  I do like surprises, so I won’t be giving all of them away, but I’d like to give a sneak peak on a few changes that are in the works.

Our bar manager Alex has really done wonders over on her side of Encore, making a number of improvements in the bar.  Together with our amazing cook Kalman, they are working on revamping our menu, especially in the evenings.  We’re testing grass-fed ground beef sources to improve our burgers, and we’re buying our bread and buns fresh from Delphina’s Bakery in Northeast Portland.  Alex and I are working together to bring in some new and interesting Scotch Whiskys for our bar, and she is always on the lookout for ways to improve our liquor and beer selection overall.

Over on the poker side of things, I’m always looking for ways to keep Encore in the lead when it comes to Portland poker.  We’ve recently replaced all of our lighting with brighter LEDs, as many of you have noticed.  Working together with our Shift Managers (and listening to customer suggestions) we’re ramping up our promotions as well, with the new VIP email programs and frequent giveaways at random times.  Our much-awaited efforts to build daytime shootouts will be launching in May, with big giveaways as well as a dedicated timer monitor… and that is just the beginning.

There’s one big thing I am really excited about.  We’ve started a phased process of replacing all of our poker tables; manufacturing has begun on our first batch.  These new tables are going to be larger, the cupholders will be in the armrest, the graphics will be beautiful, and we’re switching to a nice speedfelt which will stay cleaner and last much longer.  They’ll be better in every way than our current tables (which are still pretty nice) and I can’t wait to play on them.  They will also provide the foundation for some other fundamental improvements we’ll be implementing in 2013.

I’m personally looking to spend a little more time playing in the club, and a little less time tied up in my office.  While this is certainly an improvement for me, I think it will be good for the club as well.  I really enjoy playing with our customers and many of our improvements are hatched out in between hands in a good game.  I’ll also be trying to visit the other clubs in town a little more consistently, it’s important to build a relationship between all of the clubs. I’ll stop bragging, I know I am incredibly lucky that my job considers playing tournaments a basic skillset.

I want to give a big thanks to all of the customers who have come to me with ideas, comments, and criticism.  You’re the reason we’re here, and I do like to hear how you think we’re doing to make you want to come back.  Feel free to email me with your comments (sean@encoreclub.com) or talk with me at the club.  If you don’t see me on the floor, you can always ask for me up at the desk.