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Smokefree Stories
Chez Jose
Portland's Favorite Smokefree Bar 2006
Chez Jose prides itself on being a family-friendly restaurant and an active part of the local neighborhood. That's why its decision to go smokefree in January 2006 was "way late and coming," said General Manager Teresa Giuffre.
Although the bar is separate from the dining room, managers became increasingly concerned about the impact of secondhand smoke on non-smoking customers, as well as children who frequent the restaurant. The management was also concerned about their employees, especially those non-smokers, who were being exposed to secondhand smoke on the job.
Giuffre thinks the decision to be smokefree is also important because Chez Jose's main focus is on food. The smell of smoke not only takes away from the food's aroma, but also from the authentic taste of its Mexican cuisine.
Since its decision to go smokefree, Chez Jose has received numerous comments from customers who now choose to frequent its bar not only for drinks, but also as an alternative dinner spot. In fact, food orders in the bar have doubled since the transition in January. Going smokefree has been a positive change for this local favorite - and its customers and employees are enjoying the benefits as well.
Congratulations to Chez Jose for being voted Portland's Favorite Smokefree Bar in 2006!
The Break Room
Medford's Favorite Smokefree Bar 2005 - 2006
Robin Brown and her husband, both non-smokers, had always wanted to open a smokefree pool hall that broke the stereotype of the smoke-filled rooms portrayed in movies. They envisioned a clean environment for playing pool and enjoying good company without worrying about the dangers of secondhand smoke. And that's how The Break Room came about.
When the Browns started advertising the opening of this classy, smokefree billiard room in 2002, the public was initially hesitant about the idea. But that didn't stop the Browns and it didn't take long for the public to realize the positives aspects of this concept.
The main reason the Browns wanted to open The Break Room smokefree was their concern for the health of their customers and staff. "We didn't want to contribute to the risk of someone developing cancer from secondhand smoke," said Robin. From a business owner's perspective, the countless benefits, which include the health of their customers and staff, the permanent clean feel of the building and furniture, the classy environment and the smokefree air, far outweigh any negatives that Brown could think of.
Since day one, The Break Room has broken all kinds of stereotypes about smoky pool halls. The crowd that is usually turned away by smoke-filled bars is drawn to its smokefree environment to enjoy the game. And the customers have proven they truly enjoy the smokefree air by voting The Break Room Medford's Favorite Smokefree Bar in both 2005 and 2006 - Congratulations!
The Pine Tavern
Bend's Favorite Smokefree Bar 2005 - 2006
About nine years ago, The Pine Tavern remodeled the interior of its building and at the same time made a voluntary decision to go smokefree. Although the bar in the front section of the restaurant was the only area that allowed smoking, staff and customers were still being exposed to secondhand smoke.
The main reason The Pine Tavern's management decided to make this change was because of their increased knowledge about the health hazards secondhand smoke had on customers and staff. The management also did not want to compromise the newly improved aesthetics of the restaurant by allowing cigarette smoke to dirty the windows and force them to clean the upholstery frequently. It seemed like the perfect time to make a change to the environment that would set a good example for the families who frequent the restaurant so that's what they did!
Since its transition to smokefree, The Pine Tavern has received nothing but positive comments from both customers and staff, and has also seen a dramatic decrease in cleaning costs due to the lack of smoke in the air. Gail Moulton, one of the managers, mentioned that the best parts about going smokefree have been receiving positive feedback and knowing they've done their part in contributing to a healthy environment for the people that keep coming back to this local favorite.
Congratulations to The Pine Tavern for being voted Bend's Favorite Smokefree Bar in both 2005 and 2006!
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