Mixology

Mixology, bar setup, live demonstrations and bar staff training. One of the leading bar professionals in the world. Bar operations background. Press exposure including Iron Chef America and Good Morning America. Published author. National Ambassador of USBG.

Jacques Bezuidenhout is a Johannesburg native who became captivated by the cocktail and spirits culture in London and then relocated and planted roots in San Francisco in 1997 after going on a bus adventure and deciding it was his favorite American city. Jacques was previously responsible for establishing the beverage program at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants nationwide, and is a National Brand Ambassador for Partida Tequila. He has been voted Best Bartender in San Francisco and has also been a judge in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. As a partner in Forgery, Jacques works closely with Ken to develop and curate the cocktail, beer and wine programs, as well as train Forgery’s talented team of barmen and women.

Tad Carducci is a lifelong bartender, award-winning mixologist and restauranteur, with over twenty-five years experience in the hospitality industry.

Mixology and bar training

David Commer is the man behind Commer Beverage. With over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, David’s experience ranges from QSR to fine dining and casual dining. ? Quick Service Experience General Manager, Multi Unit Manager, Owner and Operator Fine Dining Waiter, Bartender, General Manager Casual Dining 13 Years at TGI Friday’s as General Manager, Regional Manager and Director of Beverage Marketing ? Beverage Consulting Providing independent professional beverage services to restaurants, hotels, casinos and suppliers since 2001 ? Commer remains current on industry trends and consumer insights through voracious research, participating in and attending seminars and conferences. He is an active member of the VIBE Franchise Advisory Board, the Night Club & Bar Editorial Advisory Board, and is on the Panel of Experts for the FLAVOR Magazine. He is a founding member of the Millennium Advisory Board. Commer is a regular speaker at the VIBE Conference and the FLAVOR Experience.

LIQUID ARCHITECTURE is a full-service beverage consultancy delivering top-of-class beverage programs for spirit brands, restaurants, hotels, and special events. Founded in 2002, the company started with a simple tenet: a cocktail is not just a drink, it is an experience that brings together fresh ingredients and premium spirits to engage the senses.

Native Italian Francesco Lafranconi first jumped behind a bar when he was 18 years old and gradually gained valuable experience in Europe before catching on with Southern Wine & Spirits in 2000. He relocated to Las Vegas and now works as their National Director of Mixology & Spirits Educator. Along the way, he also developed the company’s Academy of Spirits and Fine Service, a 12-week educational program that’s since instructed hundreds of bartenders about spirits, cocktails, aesthetics, tools, tasting, techniques and more. He even makes time to consult on bar programs at establishments like the Windows Lounge and Bar Toscana in Los Angeles.

Innovative restaurant concept development from market research through concept development to operations. Comprehensive beverage program and strategy development for operators as well as suppliers to maximize the opportunity. Cutting edge ideas with real world results.

Charlotte’s passion for all things spirits and cocktails keeps her in an active speaking role at all major industry events including Tales of the Cocktail, Aspen Food & Wine, SF Chefs, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic, Las Vegas Nightclub & Bar Show and EPCOT Food & Wine.