About

Hey all you drinkers out there, I’m everyone’s best friend, the happy bartender. So how did I get here, you ask?

Well, let’s see…

I’ve always wanted to sling drinks, I think. When I got out of the military, I thought it would be a great job to have while I went to school. Meet people, make some money, and be cool. The unfortunate thing is most restaurant chains don’t hire bartenders, as they typically promote from within, unless it’s a brand new chain. And then of course there’s the experience factor. Being a professional drinker doesn’t make you a good bartender.

Funny enough, I’ve always considered myself a quiet and not so outgoing type of guy; so definitely, not bartender material. So I kind of put my hopes of being a bar keep to bed. About 5 years later, I needed to get a second job to earn some extra money. I had heard the 1-800-bartend slogan and song over and over and over on the radio and thought maybe, but wasn’t sure. You know the song “red snapper , kamikaze, long island ice tea, white russian, fuzzy navel, and the sex on the beach, margarita, bloody mary, sloe gin fizz, learn to make ‘em all, on the rocks with a twist.”

My sister Tricia wanted to go to school to pick up a second profession, so she talked me into applying with her. Well it’s some of the best money I have spent. The Tampa Bartending School was fun, professional and very beneficial . Now some people will tell you that you don’t have to go to a school to learn to be a bartender, and they might be right, but it’s they way I went, and I don’t regret it.

Of course being a good student, which I was (Tricia only beat me by like .75 points on the final), and getting a good career or job as a bartender are two different things. Let me tell you the secret to being a good bartender: Get them drunk early. No, just kidding. Be social, be nice at all times (even in the face of drunk idiots), and serve drinks well.

I didn’t use my newly learned skills until almost a year and half later. I got my first job doing freelance bartending for a wine and cigar party in Ybor to support a charity. I do a lot of those because it’s my way of giving back. I give my time and just work for tips. Well it was somewhat of a pleasant experience, and I made money, so I can’t complain.

Since then, I’ve worked at Gaspar’s Grotto briefly ( it was a one night stint for a friend on memorial day), done hundreds of weddings, served as a house bartender and lead bartender for four catering companies and have enjoyed making people drunk and  happy at numerous house parties.

I love it; I’m good at it and who knew I was more outgoing than I thought. Have fun, be good and raise a glass.