Answer the Question Menu · Forbidden Island

A. Running the Site House Rules

1

Who’ll update the menu and merch? How often, and how techy are they?

If unsure: We’ll train whoever you name, and keep it simple enough for anyone.

2

Any website platform you love or want to avoid?

If unsure: We build and manage it for you, so you never have to touch a platform.

3

OK for the bar to own every account: domain, platform, hosting?

If unsure: Every account in the bar’s name, with us as admins.

B. Reservations Securing a Booth

4

OpenTable built right into our site, so guests never leave it: does that work?

If unsure: We’ll embed OpenTable right on the site.

5

How much do you lean on OpenTable’s diner network and reviews?

If unsure: We’ll keep OpenTable so your reviews and diner network stay.

6

Keep timed seatings (90 min / 2 hrs) and walk-ins as they are?

If unsure: Keep 90 min / 2 hrs and walk-ins.

7

Roughly what share of covers come via OpenTable’s network vs. your site?

If unsure: We’ll check it from your OpenTable reports later.

8

Open to SevenRooms if it plays nice with Heartland?

If unsure: Stay on OpenTable for now; SevenRooms stays an option.

C. Merch & Gift Cards The Trading Post

9

Replace the Shopify store, or keep it running behind the scenes?

If unsure: Keep Shopify running behind the scenes.

10

Is shop.forbiddenislandalameda.com OK, or must the shop be on the main site?

If unsure: The shop lives on your site, powered by your current Shopify.

11

Mugs: limited drops or pre-orders? Is pickup at the bar important?

If unsure: Support drops, pre-orders and pickup at the bar.

12

Do gift cards need to stay on Heartland for the register?

If unsure: Keep Heartland so the register can redeem them.

13

Merge the Shopify and Heartland gift cards into one system?

If unsure: One gift card entry point; retire the duplicate.

D. Private Events & Catering Shared Experiences

14

Confirm the new policy: 35 guests, $1,000 minimum, on-site events on the patio.

If unsure: Use Michael’s numbers: 35 guests, $1,000, patio.

15

Under the minimum: stop the request, or point them to reservations?

If unsure: Point them to regular reservations.

16

Mention the 9pm patio close on the events page?

If unsure: Mention it gently on the events page.

17

Catering: what’s included, how far you’ll travel, any deposit?

If unsure: We’ll draft catering copy for your review.

18

Type 58 caterer’s permit in hand? Can under-21s attend catered events?

If unsure: We’ll word catering carefully until the permit’s confirmed.

19

Who gets event inquiries, and how fast do you usually reply?

If unsure: Inquiries go to one events inbox you choose.

20

Custom cocktails: how it works, pricing, and where the info should live?

If unsure: A custom-cocktail tab with no public pricing.

E. The Menu Bitter, Spice & Everything Nice

21

Which drink categories, in what order? Show prices? Strength ratings?

If unsure: Current order, prices shown, skull ratings back.

22

Bar bites, beer and N/A drinks in the same menu?

If unsure: One menu, with Bar Bites, Beer and N/A sections.

F. Staff Page Your Humble Guides

23

Who’s on it, and are there photos and bios? (And who is Miami Dave?)

If unsure: Placeholders until you’re ready.

G. Kill Devil Club For the Super-Sippers

24

How many have finished the 100 list and the 2.0 list? Honor-roll names since 2014: public?

If unsure: “Notable completions, updated quarterly.”

25

Paper lists only? Do cocktail rums count? How often does 2.0 change?

If unsure: We’ll document the rules as they are today.

26

“100” and “50+” vs. ~230 bottles on the menu: what are today’s rules?

If unsure: We’ll reconcile the lists with you before launch.

27

Someday member logins: what would you want, and how soon?

If unsure: Static page now, built so logins can be added later.

H. Photos, Art & Video Relics & Treasures

28

Original logo, menu art and mug art files? Who owns the rights?

If unsure: We’ll redraw from the site files.

29

More footage from the hero video shoot, or other pro photos?

If unsure: Work from the film we have.

I. Quick Facts Last Call

30

Correct hours? (Google: Mon–Fri 4–midnight, Sat–Sun 2–midnight)

If unsure: Use Google’s hours.

31

Can we get access to Google Business, Analytics and Search Console?

If unsure: We’ll send a simple how-to for granting access.

32

Did Martin Cate leave in 2008 or 2009? Anything in the story you’d tell differently?

If unsure: We’ll say “2006–2008/09” and let Michael tell it.