Way back when, during my years in the food & beverage and hospitality worlds, BARTENDING was my favorite job. I stood behind a bar and made customers happy. Whether it was mixing a margarita at Birraporetti’s in Dallas in the early to mid 8o’s, or serving high tea in the piano bar, beer in the sports bar, or cognac and port in Chancellor’s Fine Dining at the Vanderbilt Plaza (now Loews Vanderbilt) in Nashville in the late 80’s/early 90’s, bartending was my jam.
Meet Brittany!
I’ve had the privilege of working with Brittany Jones of Concoctions Bartending, who is not only a bartender, but offers complete bar service that includes specialty coffee and tea, at any event where it’s needed. And I got to ask her some questions about what she does.
TPP: Brittany, bartender jobs are popular. Some people want to become bartenders as a temporary or part time job because they think it’s easy and don’t realize what is really involved. You’ve obviously busted those myths and made Concoctions Bartending your full time business, fully encompassing ALL areas of serving drinks, not just alcohol.
TPP: How long have you been bartending and what first got you behind the bar?
CB: I've been bartending for five years. The first time I was behind a bar was when I worked for a coffee shop. I went from barista to barista trainer to Coffee Master/Trainer.
TPP: According to U.S.News, Bartending is one of the most stressful jobs of 2019. What’s your opinion?
CB: I can relate some to this because of the pressure to work at a fast paste while making drinks accurately, stress levels run high. On the other token, bartending is a fun job where you can meet people of different walks of life.
TPP: What’s your favorite part about being a mobile bartending service?
CB: The best part about being a mobile bartender is the breath-taking venues of different styles around Middle Tennessee.
TPP: Do you have to have special training to be a bartender?
CB: To be a bartender you will need to successfully complete a permit to serve class. Every five years you will have to renew it. You can also take some classes or research different recipes to practice at home or with friends. Check with your state’s Alcoholic Beverage Commission for up to date information.
TPP: What are the responsibilities of a bartender?
CB: Prepare cocktail and mocktails, make suggestions to customers, ensure that all patrons are 21 or older and drinking responsibility, and maintain a clean well stocked bar.
TPP: Do you have a favorite, or signature, drink that you make? Share the ingredients?
CB: I’m loving the “Boss Babes in the Boro” signature cocktail.
*Strawberries
*Lemons
*Simple syrup
*Mango Rum
*Ginger ale
*Moscoto
Boss Babes in the Boro is a monthly networking group that meets on the first Thursday of every month at different local women owned businesses.
TPP: Do you do everything yourself or do you have someone helping you?
CB: For now, I am continuing to cultivate Concoctions so you will see be bartending every event unless Concoctions is booked twice in one day. I have three employees that help that has their permit to serve alcohol and certifications in coffee and ServeSafe.
TPP: Do you have employees that can be at different events at the same time?
CB: Yes, I have three main employees, and can call on additional people to assist in barback/serving.
TPP: Do you make up seasonal drinks, specialty drinks, for your clients?
CB: Yes, Concoctions got its name from the different signature cocktails that we create with our clients. I create his and hers cocktails for weddings and signature drinks for events. These creations are specialty cocktails made with their event season in mind. They also fit the client’s favorite fruits, herbs, flavors, and color theme.
TPP: Have you ever had to deal with someone that’s too drunk? What did you do?
CB: Not too drunk. Some patrons get agitated when I cut them off.
TPP: What do you do to relax?
CB: I read, catch up with friends and travel.
TPP: Tell us about Strolling Shots. (pictured above)
CB: Strolling Shots is a way to bring creative cocktails to your guests. It's a modern way of event bartending with no waiting in line at the bar. A bartender will 'stroll' your way making delicious cocktails in front of you.
For more information about Concoctions Bartending, find Brittany at one of these links!
