Summary
I started bartending in Cincinnati, OH where I learned to work in a high volume atmosphere and interact with customers. It was not until I moved to Chicago and started working at Sable Kitchen and Bar that I began to understand how to properly craft a cocktail. After 2.5 years of working head bartender Mike Ryan and alongside some of the most talented and personable bartenders in Chicago at Sable, I took over the beverage program at drumBAR on the rooftop of the Rafaello Hotel in Chicago. Along with my duties as head bartender, I will eventually be responsible for other Menin Hospitality properties in Miami Beach, FL and beyond. Since taking over DrumBar, I have been honored as one of the 30 culinary leaders under 30 years old by Zagat for 2014 and one of 10 bartenders to watch in the country by Beverage Media in 2013. Most recently, I was named one of Food and Wine Magazine's top 10 new mixologists. DrumBar is consistently mentioned in the company of Chicago's best bars due to our cocktail list, spirits selection, and all around ambiance.
Aside from bartending and competing in cocktail competitions, I have been a cocktail apprentice at Tales of the Cocktail for the past three years where I help organize the execution of cocktails and mentor other cocktail apprentices from around the world.
Like most of my peers, I wouldn't trade the stress, long hours, or the late nights for any other lifestyle. At the end of the day, we are selling an intangible experience to our customers and if we are doing our jobs correctly; that experience can make someone's day or night. That feeling alone makes it worthwhile to be a part of this industry. I am proud to be a bartender and to work alongside/interact with the world class talent of the Chicago cocktail scene.
Professional Experience
01/2015 – present
The Dogma LLC
Partner
Chicago, Illinois, United States
07/2016 – present
Sparrow
Bartender
Chicago, Illinois, United States
08/2013 – 02/2015
DrumBAR
Head Bartender
Chicago, Illinois, United States
06/2011 – 08/2013
Sable Kitchen & Bar
Bartender
Chicago, IL, US