Sept. 30, 2021

This paid piece is sponsored by Vanguard Hospitality.

Businesses, here’s a tax provision of the pandemic-relief act you might not be aware of: Your food and beverage deduction has gone from 50 percent to 100 percent.

From Jan. 1, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2022, businesses can claim 100 percent of food and beverage expenses paid to restaurants as long as the business owner or employee is present when the food and beverage are consumed “and the expense is not lavish or extravagant under the circumstances.”

It’s a temporary provision, so capitalize while you can while supporting local dining.

We put together three tasty ways to do just that.

Employee appreciation outing

Who has worked harder lately than your team? Whether you’re rewarding them for a job well done, welcoming a new hire or just showing you appreciate them every day, food and drink generally send the right message.

Your team will love the newly expanded, always-fresh market bar for a Minervas lunch – guaranteed to satisfy every diner.

And we always enjoy a lunch at Grille 26, where new features are arriving soon. So snag some steak lettuce wraps or a vermicelli noodle bowl from the current menu while they last!

Client catchup

If you’re like us, it has been too long since you’ve been face-to-face with some of your clients.

Take care of that with a happy hour or treat your client to dinner.

Our picks: The bar at Grille 26 is a fantastic, centrally located place to meet up after work for a cocktail and appetizers.

Miss the Downtown Pork Showdown in September or not get your fill? Minervas is offering the Hunter Pork Chop, which will stay on the menu, so add that to your dinner list. It’s a Montreal-seasoned bone-in pork chop served with sweet onions, sauteed fresh spinach, garlic and burgundy.

And, of course, you can’t beat Morrie’s Steakhouse for showing your clients what they mean to you. Treat them to an Old-Fashioned after work with an Oysters Rockefeller and Jumbo Tiger Shrimp Cocktail, or stay for dinner where the Morrie’s ribeye or signature seabass are sure to impress.

Holiday celebrations now

OK, let’s be real: There’s nothing committing you to hosting your corporate holiday event in December.

In fact, many might tell you they’d be happy to have a few more extra evenings to enjoy the holiday season on their own.

So how about recasting that holiday event as a fall celebration? Book your event at any Vanguard Hospitality restaurant, and beat the crowds while taking advantage of exceptional group dining options.

From the lower level at Minervas to multiple spaces at Morrie’s that include audiovisual capabilities, there are ideal spaces waiting for your group.

And, of course, if you want a little December chill in the air, you can still book a traditional holiday celebration – while enjoying the tax benefit! Just make sure you plan ahead, as space is filling fast.

How about joining the team at Vanguard Hospitality? You won’t find a more supportive place to grow your culinary career. Stop in any of our three locations to learn more!