Any Bartenders on here?

Paxton · 10-10-2005, 10:09 AM

I know that lots of bodybuilders are also bartenders or bouncers. I would like to ask a few questions about getting into bartending.

Thanks....

Slash_ · 10-10-2005, 10:19 AM

What questions do you have to ask?

Paxton · 10-10-2005, 12:00 PM

I am 35 years old, looking to get out of the corporate world. Would I stand a chance at getting hired as a bartender with little or no experience? How could I convince a bar owner to hire someone who wants a career change?

Your input is greatly appreciated! Thanks...

farfie · 10-10-2005, 01:36 PM

i was in the bar biz for over 20 years. the #1 worst idea is go to "bartenders school". it's a real joke in the industry and if you walked into my bar and even mentioned bartenders academy, you'd be laughed out the door. there are several ways to go about it. if it's not a high volume bar, the establishment may train you. if it's mostly a beer bar,you may get your foot in the door as well,and learn to make drinks along the way,without being overwhelmed. another way would be to take a job at a service bar(meaning you'd be serving only waiters/glamorous,i know).you'd likely get some training,not be so under the gun,and wait for the apportunity to move to the floor later.another option is catering, even though you may not be the one with experience,if you've got the right look and desire they may throw you behind the bar. possibly read bartending for dummies but definitely don't pick up a boston's,thoroughly useless. fun to have one around for a reference,but that's about it. you'll waste your time if you try and actually learn drinks from it. drinks are also regional and can be even bar specific,so you don't need to learn it all and in truth there isn't really that much to learn. there are probably only 20 drinks you'll make over and over and only about 20 more you'll need to know. i may be oversimplifying it a bit, but it aint all that hard, trust me. last thought, go to your favorite bar and ask the bartender if he'll train you. offer to pay him for his time. he'll possibly be able to train you at the bar when it's closed or he can take empty bottles home and train you there. make it worth his while. have him cover pouring technique,recipes, and bar etiquette.good luck

Paxton · 10-10-2005, 01:41 PM

Hey, thanks for the info!

Is there anyone who has left the corporate world and moved into bartending? I would appreciate your input!

Thanks!

STCBBall3 · 10-10-2005, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paxton

Hey, thanks for the info!

Is there anyone who has left the corporate world and moved into bartending? I would appreciate your input!

Thanks!

What. You want to leave a job that could have possible promotions and good money, to become a bartender?

Shike · 10-10-2005, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paxton

Hey, thanks for the info!

Is there anyone who has left the corporate world and moved into bartending? I would appreciate your input!

Thanks!

I think about it all the time, but really can't give up all the perks and money.

farfie · 10-10-2005, 02:37 PM

why do you think this would be a good change for you?