Business Briefs

+ SYC receives International Wine Society Award of Merit
Sarasota Yacht Club recently received the Club Managers Association of America’s (CMAA) International Wine Society Award of Merit that recognizes the country’s best club wine programs.

“We’re very proud of our wine society, which allows our members to learn about and taste wine from all over the world and have fun while doing so,” said Bernhard Kloppenburg, Sarasota Yacht Club general manager, in a news release. “We are honored to be recognized by the CMAA’s International Wine Society after our first attempt entering our wine club program for consideration, and are grateful to executive chef and Food and Beverage Manager Anthony Puccio, who has been instrumental in helping us develop the program.”

Puccio submitted photo copies of the club’s full wine menu, by-the-glass menu and wine inventory for consideration for the award, along with an official entry form, questionnaire and cover letter detailing the club’s wine program. Awards were determined by qualifying scores from the questionnaire on a 100-point scale.

+ Chiles Restaurant partners with Southeastern Guide Dogs
The Chiles Restaurant Group has a new partnership with Southeastern Guide Dogs that aims to help the organization raise funds for its services to the visually impaired community.

Each of the Chiles Group’s three restaurants — Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub on Longboat Key, the Sandbar on Anna Maria and BeachHouse on Bradenton Beach — will give diners the chance to make a $1, $5 or $10 donation or another amount to add to their checks.

The Chiles Group aims to raise $15,000 to sponsor and name three Southeastern puppies — one for each of its restaurants.

The Chiles Group will kick off the partnership at a launch party from 5:30 to 8 p.m. April 10, at the Sandbar, 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria. Southeastern puppies will greet guests at the event, which also includes light refreshments and a cash bar. For information, visit groupersandwich.com.

+ Ben & Jerry’s to hold Free Cone Day
Ben & Jerry’s Annual Free Cone Day is noon to 8 p.m. April 8, at the St. Armands Circle location, 372A St. Armands Circle.

Donations will be collected for WSLR radio 96.5, Sarasota’s community radio. For information, call 388-5226.