GOING GREEN! BLAINE HOT SPOT PROFITS FROM MARCH MADNESS AND ST. PATRICK’S DAY

“Things are definitely going on the up and up for us,” said Nate Schneider, VP of Sales and Distribution for Invictus. “We keep crossing our fingers that we stay as busy and as prominent in the Blaine community as we have been. We’re very excited for what it is Blaine has moving forward.”

On St. Patrick’s Day things were really hopping, as patrons showed up to eat, drink and check out some March Madness on the many flat-screen televisions in the eating area.

“This is by far the perfect storm,” Schneider said. “We’ve got a really good location here, right across the street from the National Sports Center. We kind of have a natural, organic audience the way it is – with all the TV’s you see surrounding us, and March Madness going on and St. Patrick’s Day on Friday.”

Hoops and shamrocks

The fun continued through the weekend and the definition of going green took on a new meaning for those who came to see hoops and shamrocks.

“St. Patrick’s and Minnesotans, we kind of go hand in hand,” Schneider said. “Especially in the St. Paul area, but here in Blaine it’s still pretty prominent.”

Invictus has 24 taps and 16 different beers – including a couple special brews just for St. Patrick’s Day.

“We’ve got our pot of gold, a glitter and fuse blonde ale,” Schneider said. “Then we also have a brand new recipe, Blarney Brothers red ale.”

Invictus definitely benefited from the March mayhem, as suds sales skyrocketed.

Said Schneider: “Why wouldn’t beer consumption go up on a day like St. Patrick’s Day?”

Good, green fun

Even with no Minnesota basketball teams playing in March Madness, Invictus and Tipsy Steer get a bounce from sporting events that are on television or just down the block.

“We’re such a heavy sports focus,” Schneider said. “With us being in such close proximity to the National Sports Center between soccer, hockey and golf, basically every sport. People wind up culminating here for the sports vibe. March madness definitely lends a hand to that.”

On St. Patrick’s day that was clear, as everyone was having good, green fun.

“We’re very family friendly,” Schneider said. “But if you’re bringing your kids, that kind of stuff, just be prepared for some loud shouts depending on how the games are going.”

Schneider believes that Invictus and the Tipsy Steer is a go to spot.

“I think that we’re making our mark as one of the pinnacle things to come to, when you come to Blaine, Minnesota,” Schneider said.

Invictus and the Tipsy Steer have been open since May of 2018.