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:: Hi Rusty, we're excited to have you with us today, what can you tell us about your story?

   I grew up in Apex, NC, and moved to Charlotte at the age of 18. I have over 20 years of bartending experience; I was discovered when a regular customer invited me to a Carolina Panthers game; upon arriving at the game, I quickly learned that she was responsible for all Food & Beverages at the stadium. I was hired to work within her department and one day filled in servicing the Richardson Family. The following week I was asked to become his stadium butler. I worked with the Richardson family for 8 years until they sold the Panthers. When I left, I took over as head mixologist at Carmel Country Club. While working at both locations, I was working on private events and building up my network. During 2020, when Covid and quarantine happened, the golf club closed, and it gave me the time to focus on creating my side business into a full-time job. I created a logo, and website, and filed for an LLC. 

   As of 2023, I have 12 bartenders and 5 servers working with me and our growth was 112% from the previous year. We provide craft cocktail catering for all types of events, birthdays, weddings, and corporate events, and also teach mixology classes virtually and in person. Recently I started beekeeping, and I am harvesting my own honey to use as a natural sweetener in our cocktails. 

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:: I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?

   I had a great group of clients who hired me for private events, but running a successful business out of my one-bedroom apartment was a struggle. Once I started growing finding the best bartenders in the area to represent my business and my name also had its challenges. I strive to source the best ingredients, so during grocery shortages there were times that I had to visit multiple stores to ensure I had the best. 

 

:: So what else should our readers know about Your Charlotte Bartender?

   We specialize in craft cocktail catering; when hiring “Your Charlotte Bartender,” you are not just hiring a bartender we strive to provide a lasting experience for hosts and their guests. We are set apart by our attention to detail, the creativity of the menu, and our unique bar set up’s. 

I am proud that people recognize our brand, acknowledge they are getting the best service, and enjoy seeing me or other staff at their events and I am proud to support other bartenders in the area. 

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in Apex, NC; I was into sports, hanging with friends, and music- I played the violin for 9 years and was taught early hard work as I grew up on a farm.

 

   I have always known the power of hard work, and it has carried through to the creation of “Your Charlotte Bartender.” 

 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cltbartender.com/

• Instagram: @your_charlotte_bartender

• Facebook: Rusty Lewter