What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We charge a $250 bar setup fee which includes all the hard costs such as bar, bar accessories, cups/glassware, ice, coolers, linens, trashcans, beverage napkins, stir straws, garnishes, mixes, infused syrups, cordials, galvanized serving tubs, signage, displays, travel, and certifications and insurance. If the venue or private residence already has an existing bar, we charge a $150 partial bar setup fee which includes everything but the bar. If 100 guests or more, 1 bartender is needed. If over 100 guests, 2 bartenders are needed. For every additional 100 guests, another bartender gets added. The rate is $100 per hour for each bartender for the duration of the event. For example, if a reception has 75 guests for a 5 hour event and needs a bar, the rate would be $750 for service only. That is a full bar setup fee and 1 bartender for 5 hours of service. All alcohol is charged and billed separately and will be the highest cost for all events no matter the style of event based on the volume of product needed. We get all product at cost and recommend you outsourcing the alcohol arrangement to us for ease of logistics and helping us stay organized. For any permit needed to serve liquor, most NC ABC Commission permits can be obtained for under $150 total cost. Beer and Wine only does not require permitting, only our COI and listing the venue as the additional insured for us to serve with at least a $1M aggregate of coverage. The permit gets billed separately similarly to alcohol needs and all required documentation must be submitted at least 14 days in advance of the event taking into account express mailing and receiving so thus we recommend submitting 30 days in advance in case documents need to be updated, changed, or a potential re-filling based on the circumstance.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
This starts with an inquiry, conversation, trust, follow-up, and recommendation based on what the client wants for their guests and how we have executed similar events in the past. We will help fulfill the desire of what the client wants, we only simply guide the process. We average well over 100 events per year so there is nothing we haven't either seen or handled in the past. Simply let us know what style of event you're going for.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Master's, Bachelor's, and Associates degrees in Hospitality Management. Tenured experience working in the industry almost two decades, followed by all the required licensures and certifications required to execute our role (i.e. General Liability, Professional Liability, Cyber Security, Liquor Liability, Certificates of Insurance, and Special Occasion Permitting upon need.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I've personally been in service hospitality my entire working career. Our entire team collectively has over 100 years experience in events, bartending, and mixology. We recognized a need for remote and mobile bar and Sommelier services for most venues, private residences, and offering both a competitive and fair pricing model to our clients. Our goal is to be the preferred vendor for all reception types and venues since there is a great need. Most venues do not have adequate bar services or proper certification, whereas we do. In addition, we bring a high level of attention to detail and quality in our service whereas most bartenders that venues provide, they don't. If you are looking to have expertise knowledge, efficiency, batched and infused signature cocktails, and mixology, we're the service for you. Beer and Wine Service Only? That's okay as well, we're here for you!
What types of customers have you worked with?
Receptions of all types: Wedding, Corporate, Graduation, Party, Showers, Fundraising, Casino and Gaming, Promotion, Birthday, Sommelier Lessons, Public and Private events, Beer and Wine Tastings, Wine or Spirts Dinners and Pairings, and much more!
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
Lead an event of 180 guests. Pre planned and fulfilled batched red and white sangria mix, his and hers cocktails, and listed a premium liquor, wine, beer, and seltzer offerings lineup. Most production is met on the front end. Staffing can sometimes be a concern but ultimately I'm present and make the event happen regardless of any challenges. We currently have a staff of 5-7 bartenders. To more closely answer the question, it doesn't matter the duration of the event as long as it gets taken care of based on the parameters of the client. We recommend a 4 hour minimum but will service any event from 2-10 hours long.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Have your plans, guest count, whether you need a bar, and package ideas ready including whether you will need non alcoholic refreshments and/or mocktails and whether you will be serving liquor or not. Liquor service requires permitting which we will help you obtain (if wedding reception) or us if (any other reception type). No permits can be obtained for the sell of alcohol in NC, only serving of alcohol.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Date/Time? How many guests? Do you need a bar? Will there be liquor served? Most Public Venues require minimum 2 bartenders of more than 100 guests or more. Any reception under 100 guests only requires and/or needs 1 bartender.