Those that find themselves waiting in line for a table at the Sagebrush Cantina can attest to the busyness of the restaurant.
For everyone else, there’s this: the restaurant is among Oakland County’s top 10 establishments when it comes to on-premise liquor sales, according to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
‘There are some pretty big names in there with us,? owner Dia Zaraga said of being in the top 10.
At press time, figures for 2007 were released only through November, and the downtown Lake Orion restaurant was 10th on the list, which included several establishments from more densely populated areas like Birmingham and Royal Oak.
The Cantina, which re-opened just before the holidays in 2006, was in a select group of restaurants that saw liquor sales increase in 2007.
‘Every month we’ve stayed consistently busy,? Zaraga noted. ‘With the economy the way it is, I’m surprised.?
‘We were busy before the fire,? he added. ‘We were setting records then, but I would say we’re definitely up.?
Zaraga said the popular food items on the menu deserve credit for getting people in the door, and probably have something to do with increased liquor sales.
He noted that sales of wine and beer, of which there are 16 varieties on tap, have also been good.
‘I’m very proud of our entire staff,? Zaraga said. ‘Obviously we’re doing something right.?
He also paid thanks to the community for welcoming Sagebrush back with open arms.
‘We have the best customers in the world,? Zaraga said.