Business

CBD-infused Drinks Can Now Help Restaurants Offset Declining Alcohol Sales

Published

5 years ago

August 14, 2019

CBD-Infused drinks offer a way for restaurants to offset declining alcohol sales and West Coast Ventures Corp (OTC: WCVC) is leading the charge.

Restaurateurs are in for a hard time. Despite the fact that people have more disposable income to pay for a dinner out, their preferences are changing. Healthy lifestyles are trending and more restaurant guests are opting to skip the wine in favor of table water. With alcohol making up between 20-50% of the average restaurant’s revenue that’s a big gap to fill. West Coast Ventures Corp (OTC: WCVC) is taking a proactive step to solve the problem.

Mind the margins

Alcohol is facing an existential crisis. Rising awareness of health risks associated with drinking alcohol have helped to fuel a sustained decline in the sale of wine, beer and other alcoholic beverages. General sales fell 0.8% in 2018, continuing the decade-long trend with no end in sight.

“Staying in became the new night out,” said Danny Brager, vice president of beverage alcohol at The Nielsen Co. (NLSN). As people decide to skip on liquor, restaurants’ revenues shrink, prompting them to look for alternatives that could fill the expanding vacuum.

Cannabis-infused dining

The Farm Bill put non-psychoactive hemp on the menu across the United States. Unlike the THC induced “high,” normally associated with marijuana hemp contains mostly cannabidiol or CBD. This cousin of THC is devoid of the usual psychoactive properties, thus giving it more of a mild and “medicinal” character.

Renowned for its ability to dull pain and soothe anxiety, CBD is gaining traction. 74% of consumers believe cannabis to be more healthy than alcohol. For the restaurant industry in particular the National Restaurant Association found that 3 in 4 chefs named CBD-infused food a hot trend in 2019.

Cannabis beverages represent the most interesting subsector of the industry, predicted to be worth as much as $1.4 billion by 2023. CBD infused beverages have the advantage of being legal at a federal level, and so long as nobody makes unfounded health claims, being tolerated by the FDA.

Partnering for power

CBD drinks don’t only represent an alternative to alcoholic beverages. Many big cannabis players are betting on the fact that those uninterested in recreational marijuana may still develop a taste for CBD. This has lead to a number of big JVs between cannabis and alcohol companies.

The number one Canadian grower, Canopy Growth Corp. (CGC) has struck a deal with Constellation Brands (STZ) to produce cannabis-infused drinks. Molson Coors Brewing Company (TAP), has announced an agreement with HEXO Corp. (HEXO) and Tilray, Inc. (TLRY), another top ten pot stock, has teamed up with AB InBev (BUD) – the maker of Budweiser beer.

Whilst most of these companies are still figuring out how to enter the CBD space one American restaurant stock has beaten them to the punch, no pun intended.

West Coast begins in Denver

West Coast Venture Group (OTC: WCVC) has made headlines with their Illegal Burger chain, which combines fast-casual dining with CBD infused burgers and their iconic Illegal Brands infused water. The company’s locations in Denver, one of the most cannabis-friendly cities in the country, have seen great success with the Illegal Burger in Writer Square, located in Downtown Denver on track to exceed $1 million in sales this year.

WCVC is America’s first CBD restaurant stock and the first one to supply their locations with Illegal Brands CBD Water. Containing 30mg of CBD per serving, the water comes in passionfruit and mango-bergamot flavors and contain no artificial flavorings and zero added sugars.

The company has tapped into the CBD and health trend and married it good local food and a cool aesthetic. They have started to replicate this success with Illegal Pizza in Florida and plan to open a number of new restaurants, as well as sell their products online.

Pleasures for the new generation

People will always want a bit of a buzz with their meal. While they may no longer reach for a glass of bubbly, and lighting up a joint in a crowded restaurant will likely remain a faux pas, CBD infused drinks offer an innovative way to adapt to the new reality. Companies like WCVC will lead the way but it won’t be long until you see CBD on a menu near you.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

14 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.