FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
A very basic bar service is as low as $30 per hour ( 6 hour minimum plus drive time one way). A more comprehensive bar package will start at about $300 and can go dramatically higher, depending on how elegant or casual you'd like your event to be. 1) At the "base price", I provide the basic bar equipment --which typically is a cocktail shaker, strainer, juicer, knife and cutting board, wine key and similar small items. 2) Holiday rates (and that includes Superbowl Sunday etc) increase. 3) If you DO NOT allow a tip jar, that will increase the base price. 4) Some Bay Area locations have nightmarish traffic and non-existent parking. Unfortunately, I have to factor that --and some travel time--into my price structure. Please let me know what your parking situation is so I can give you a more competitive price! Arrangements can be made for a more comprehensive bar package and additional supplies and/or rentals (ie bar, floor mats, linens and ice tubs) as needed and PROVIDED THERE IS SUFFICIENT TIME prior to your event. USUALLY your caterer or event planner will rent or provide these items. I am happy to coordinate with your caterer or event planner at no extra charge. Otherwise all rentals, mixers and consumables (napkins, straws, garnishes etc) are either billed as extras or are client provided. 6) California Alcoholic Beverage laws are such that the venue or client has to provide ALL alcoholic beverages.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First and foremost is to find out your needs and if we are a "match", usually via a phone interview. This involves the dreaded "Let's talk about budget" but after years running my own business, I KNOW we can figure something out! Ideally, a face to face meeting (if feasible) eventually is a good idea to fine tune planning and/or inspect the venue location etc. I can put together a comprehensive bar package for you. However please let me know how elegant or how low key you want your event to be. It's the difference between making drinks with Cointreau versus a generic triple sec (for example) or a limited selection of mixers out of a can instead of fresh squeezed juices! Do you want linens and Reidel crystal (which takes more time to arrange btw), basic rental glassware--or just disposable plastic cups? If you'd like to do something more elegant or out of the ordinary, I also offer consulting and planning for your cocktail and beverage needs at $85 per hour with a one hour minimum and can coordinate with your caterer or event planner if desired. ** Feel free to ask about cash discounts and other services.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Successful completion of the John Adams/Santa Rosa School of Bartending. California Responsible Beverage Service certified Full bar and fine dining experience as well as event staffing. Currently employed as an event bartender and server for a number of high end caterers