Gordon Biersch Destiny USA Syracuse, NY

Have you ever been to Destiny USA? When I lived in Syracuse 20 something years ago, it was called Carousel Mall and a destination for shoppers in N Y.  With hand carved horses and nostalgic organ music, kids and adults were found prancing up and down, round and round on this fabulous, nostalgic memory maker. And the carousel is still there!
 We arrived at 9 am to walk Destiny. They have a Wonderworks there with rope bridges and an IMAX Theater.  You could spend a whole day and lots of money but what a day it would be! There are so many stores and fun attractions for everyone. After walking the mall for a few hours, we decided to check out Gordon Biersch which is actually a chain with over 30 locations including Buffalo, NY and one a few hours from us in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Of course, one of the reasons we wanted to try it is because we were told they brewed on site and the beers were really good. They also have a beautiful restaurant.We were there the end of June and there was a lot of rain which is common in central New York. We walked in and sat down at the 5 sided bar by the taps looking out at the mall. They have a garage door they open for cooler days.

 Their head brewer Guy Hagner does a wonderful job.  With over ten beers on tap, there is something for almost every one. We sampled most of their beers but our favorites were the swartzbeir, the marzen maibock, their Belgian Triple and a beautifully crafted scotch ale. An added pleasure was the food. We have eaten our share of bar food so when we ordered, we were really surprised at how fresh and well prepared the food was. Chef Adam Grizzle, their executive chef rose through the ranks. He loves to create pairings of beer and food such as their Lemon Grass Ginger Saison paired with spicy Buffalo Wings. Being home brewers ourselves, we were asking about the brewing equipment so he took the time and showed us through which was really great of him.

Our barkeep Sara was equally engaging. Sara, a single Mom of two beautiful daughters went to school for aesthetics. However, she loves working at G.B. because of their flexible hours and family like atmosphere.  She loves Belgian Ales and her company's Winterbock.

I especially enjoyed stories of their company's philanthropy. At tapping parties, they have a wooden keg they tap. They put out jars and all money raised goes to charity. Their first grand opening, they tapped for the food bank. Representatives from the food bank came by and told the guests about
the charity's plight. Gordon Biersch and their staff raised over $12,000 that day.
They also give back to their employees. Called The Hope Foundation, most employees give at least $1. per paycheck. This money goes for employee emergencies like sickness, fires and tragedies.
And last but not least, we met GM Kimberely Petite. She put herself through college by working in restaurants. She was on her way out to a baseball tournament with her children. Her passion for her job and her employees showed.  According to every employee I met, they said the people they worked with are their family.We spent two delightful hours talking.
In an age where employees complain about their jobs and their managers, it was so fantastic to talk to three people who had so much enthusiasm for each other and their company.  Great food! Yes! Exemplary employees? Second to none!  Family friendly. Go!